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4 EDITORIAL NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Whither simplification?

Dr Milind Kokje
Chief Editor

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of It is accepted that the BIS is an old national body
India (FSSAI) has made it mandatory for the for standardisation, marking and quality certification
manufacturers of packaged drinking water and of goods. No doubt, it has been providing traceability
mineral water to obtain Bureau of Indian Standards and tangibility benefits to the national economy in
(BIS) certification to receive the FSSAI registration various ways since independence. But it must also
or license. Though the FSSAI order is a recent one, be noted that it has been deciding and monitoring
issued in the last week of March and coming into standards of a vast range of products, from electrical
effect from April 1, 2021, the rules upon which the installation to plywoods, to even food products like
order is based on are not new. milk powder, biscuits and bottled water.

Section 31 of the Food Safety and Standards Seven different laws related to food safety were
Act (FSSA) 2008 makes it mandatory for the Food merged to enact one comprehensive food law,
Business Operators (FBOs) of all types to either FSSA 2006. The idea was to have only one entity
obtain license from or register with the FSSAI before for ensuring food safety. Still, it was okay to include
commencement of business. At the same time, a certain food products in a list in 2011 regulations to
rule from the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition obtain a certificate from other agencies like BIS. This
and Restriction on Sales) Regulations 2011 prohibits was because those were the early days of the FSSAI
production and sale of packaged and mineral water and it was still getting established. It required time
without the BIS certification. The 2011 regulations to have all types of experts to finalise standards and
lists out certain requisite items to be BIS certified establish a proper infrastructure of labs etc. to test
for registration that includes packaged and mineral products for finalising standards and monitoring the
water. This allows the manufacturers to get their product safety.
product tested in the BIS lab.
The FSSAI has come a long way and has
Through the recent order, the FSSAI has developed immensely. It, particularly, changed its
reiterated the requirement of the 2011 rule to all the face, style, scope and everything during the tenure of
packaged and mineral water manufacturers, seeking Pawan Kumar Agarwal as its CEO. His successors
its strict implementation. This reminder is required have continued with the same zeal. The FSSAI now
as it noticed a number of packaged and mineral has everything at its disposal for everything related
water producers have been operating with only the to food safety and standards. The government
FSSAI registration, but without the mandatory BIS should relieve the BIS from its duties related to food
certification. products and make FSSAI solely responsible for all
food products.
Though FSSAI’s move should be appreciated
as it is for strict implementation of an existing rule, The government has been talking of one window
there is a need to question the government about clearance. It even brought a single tax regime in the
the basic reasoning of the rule now. Why are two form of the Goods & Services Tax (GST) to abolish
types of processes from two separate entities all other similar types of taxes. Then why is there a
required? Can’t such a duplication of the process be duplication of procedural authorities and efforts for
avoided? Certification similar to the BIS, post the lab some food products? The FSSAI must become the
test of the product, can be issued by FSSAI itself as sole authority on all foods, sticking to the letter and
part of the registration of the unit. It is noteworthy spirit of the FSSA 2006.
that the FSSAI too, has the facilities to test all food
products and the necessary expertise to finalise the
standards.

Volume 8  |  Issue 10  |  June 2021
www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

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6 INSIDE NNUUFFFOOOODDSSSPSEPCETCRTURMUM | | MJaurcnhe 20210 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

20COVER STORY

PHARMA SEES

BIGGER

POSSIBILITIES

IN NUTRA SECTOR

Rising consumer health education along with recent advancements in nutrition, functional foods
and medical foods is increasingly driving the growth of Indian pharmaceutical firms in the Nutra
space. The FY20-21 saw a large number of big and small pharma players launching innovative
nutrition-based products to help build immunity and overall well-being, on par with the food
and supplement giants. Not surprisingly, leading pharma companies are now focusing on the
nutraceuticals and consumer healthcare segments to generate revenue, indicating a competitive
landscape with the food giants.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INSIDE 7

Onco Nutri Meat Industry

27 39

Oncology nutrition needs Booming meat industry needs
uniform clinical practice guidelines an infrastructural nudge
Safe Food
Narendra Pasuparthy,
30
Founder & Chief Executive Officer,
9 pathways in tackling Nandu’s, Bengaluru
triple burden of malnutrition
Protein Alternative
Gut Health
40
33
Algae to become
Major re-learning needed to push alternative protein frontrunner
microbiome market from nascent stage
Rama Devi Tentu,
36
Research Fellow, Good Food Institute India,
What’s propelling the Gut health Mumbai
industry to new heights?
Speaking With FSSAI Initiative

38 42

“There is a huge lack of Food Safety:
low-carb foods in the market A Shared Responsibility
that are tested and verified”
Arun Singhal,
Sudarshan Gangrade,
Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and
Founder, Lo! Foods, Bengaluru Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi

REGULARS

Editorial 04

Video Snippets 08

Policy and Regulatory News 09

Finance News 12

Company News 13

Start-Up News 15

World News 18

People News 44

Ingredients News 46

R&D News 48

Supplier News 49

8 VIDEO SNIPPETS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Manoj Joshi, Acknowledgements
Additional Secretary,
Ministry of Food Thank you NuFFooDS Spectrum for including a note
Processing Industries, on Akay Natural Ingredients in your cover story.
Government of India,
New Delhi points out - Emmanuel Nambusseril, Kochi
how the industry must
be careful of not losing Janani.life is happy with the way the cover story has
consumer credibility. come out. Looking forward to working on more stories
with NuFFooDS Spectrum.
Scan the QR Code »
- Richa Arora, Bengaluru
Richa Arora,
Former President, Thank you for carrying the article by DSM in your
Packaged Foods, esteemed magazine. The team is also very happy with
Tata Consumer the online version to amplify it on their social media.
Products, Mumbai
talks about the recent - Vandana Bhatia, Mumbai
growth of the staple
foods category FSSAI is keen on addressing more industry oriented
across India. topics in the upcoming issues of NuFFooDS spectrum
through their regular column.
Scan the QR Code »
- Ruchika Sharma, New Delhi
Sanjay Sharma,
Chief Executive Officer, Thanks for your feedback. We have taken
MTR Foods, Bengaluru note of your suggestions and will surely try to
highlights the growth incorporate the content accordingly in coming
opportunities for the issues. Please keep sending us your feedback
convenience food and updating us on your views about the issue
industry. and keep giving your opinions on the content.

Scan the QR Code » – Editor

Please send your feedback to
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 9

FSSAI classifies FSSAI ensures
food testing un-interrupted food supply
‘essential
service’ amid The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has noted
pandemic that they have taken instantaneous steps to ensure the uninterrupted
food supply and the continuity of food business operations during
FSSAI has constantly emphasised the current COVID-19 situation. Along with this, the FSSAI has written
that import clearances of food to all the states to make sure that there is no interruption within
items and testing services by the food supply chain due to the present curfews and lockdowns
FSSAI’s laboratories, whether public situation in the country, and the compliance requirements are not a
or private, are essential services. barrier for the operation of any food business. FSSAI has constantly
The regulator has also stated that emphasized that import clearances of food items and testing services
unless high-risk products like milk by FSSAI’s laboratories (public and private) are essential services. For
and meat are involved, routine the rapid expansion of logistic supply chains, catering, warehouses,
inspections can be put on hold. No retail outlets and food service establishments, the food regulator has
routine inspections are required also laid out directions permitting Food Business Operators other
to be done except in case of high than manufacturers to temporarily manage their businesses based on
risk food product viz. milk and milk a valid receipt of FSSAI license/ registration application. Regardless of
products, slaughter houses, meat the status of lockdown, these measures are until and will cease with
and meat products etc. However, effect from June 30.
food safety authorities can conduct
inspections in case of select cases
on basis of risk profiling or in
case of any food emergency or
incidents and complaints. Where
feasible, inspections can be done
by e-inspection.

FSSAI to take action against illegal meat shops

A report by the meat shops owners for violating 7 cities- Delhi, Chennai,
Federation of Indian the rules under the Prevention Bengaluru, Hyderabad,
Animal Protection of Cruelty to Animal Act. FIAPO Kolkata Bhubaneshwar
Organisations (FIAPO) had conducted inspections in and Indore. Amongst the
has revealed the dreadful 7 cities surveyed, Delhi
conditions in which goats was the biggest offender
and chicken are handled followed by Bhubaneshwar,
prior to being slaughtered Bengaluru and Kolkata. The
in illegal meat shops. The report clearly states that
Animal Welfare Board of illegal slaughter houses
India (AWBI) took note operate rampantly despite
of the report and directed FSSAI not being certified by FSSAI or
to act on it. AWBI has urged the the authorities, disregarding
apex food regulatory body to public health, food safety, and
take action against the illegal environment norms.

10 REGULATORY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Aahaar Kranti to help India refocus on balanced diet

The government is on a mission that nutritional awareness in all sections
is aimed to spread the message of the of our society. There is a need for a
need for a nutritionally balanced diet nutritionally balanced diet also in
and to understand the importance the context of the current COVID-19
of accessible to all local fruits and pandemic. A healthy body would be
vegetables via Aahaar Kranti. The able to handle the infection much
Aahaar Kranti movement is designed better with greater immunity and
to address the peculiar problem being higher resilience. The programme will
faced by India and the world called focus on training teachers, who, in
`hunger and diseases in abundance’. turn, will pass on the message to the
Studies estimate that India produces multitudes of students, and through
as much as two times the amount them to their families and finally
of calories that it consumes. the society at large. Such a strategy
However, many in the country are was adopted for the eradication of
still malnourished. The root cause of Polio and it turned out to be a grand
this strange phenomenon is a lack of success.

Govt launches NITI Aayog unveils
digital repository on
multi stakeholder nutrition information

initiative to enhance NITI Aayog, in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation and Centre for Social and Behaviour Change,
tribal nutrition Ashoka University, have launched Poshan Gyan, a national
digital repository on health and nutrition. The launch event
Anamaya, the Tribal Health Collaborative, was addressed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar,
has been launched by Union Minister CEO Amitabh Kant,
of Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Secretary (WCD) Ram
Vardhan and Union Minister of Tribal Mohan Mishra and
Affairs Arjun Munda. The Collaborative is a Additional Secretary
multi-stakeholder initiative of Tribal Affairs Dr Rakesh Sarwal.
Ministry supported by Piramal Foundation Under the guidance of
and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Dr Rakesh Sarwal, the
(BMGF). It will converge efforts of various Poshan Gyan repository
Government agencies and organisations was conceptualised as
to enhance the health and nutrition status a resource, enabling
of the tribal communities of India. This search of communication
Collaborative is a unique initiative bringing materials on 14 thematic
together governments, philanthropists, areas of health and
national and international foundations, nutrition across diverse
NGOs/CBOs to end all preventable deaths languages, media
among the tribal communities of India. types, target audiences
It aims to build a sustainable, high- and sources. Content for the repository was sourced from the
performing health eco-system to address Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Women and Child
the key health challenges faced by the Development and developmental organizations. The repository
tribal population of India. introduces a unique crowdsourcing feature that allows anyone
to submit communication material for inclusion on the website,
followed by a review by a designated committee.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in REGULATORY NEWS 11

MoFPI releases
guidelines for PLI scheme

Italy launches The Ministry of Food Processing commensurate with India's
Industries (MoFPI) has issued natural resource endowment and
Mega Food Park detailed operational scheme support Indian brands of food
guidelines and has launched products in the international
project in India an online portal for ‘Production markets. MOFPI is inviting
Linked Incentive Scheme for Food applications for availing sales-
Italy has launched its first-ever Processing Industry’ (PLISFPI). based incentives and grants
mega food park project in India As a part of the Prime Minister’s for undertaking Branding and
involving food processing facilities announcement of Aatmanirbhar Marketing activities abroad under
as the two sides plan to expand ties Bharat Abhiyan, the government the scheme from three categories
in the backdrop of PM Narendra has approved a new Central of applicants.
Modi's proposed visit, with the Sector Scheme namely
signing of a Letter of Intent ‘Production Linked Incentive
between the ICE Office in Mumbai Scheme for Food Processing
and Fanidhar Mega Food Park, in Industry’ for implementation
Gujarat. Ambassador of Italy to during 2021-22 to 2026-27 with
India, Vincenzo de Luca, and the an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore to
Ambassador of India to Italy, Neena support the creation of global
Malhotra were part of the launch. food manufacturing champions
This is the first Italian-Indian food
park project, an initiative in the India, Sri Lanka to jointly conduct
food-processing field, which is a research on food technology
pillar of the partnership between
India and Italy as stated at the Nine teams consisting of scientists from India and Sri Lanka will work on
Summit between the two Prime
Ministers held on November 6, focused research in areas like food technology, plant-based medicines’
2020. The project aims to create
synergy between agriculture and metrology’ space research and applications’ robotics and automation,
industry of the two countries
and focuses on the research and industrial electronics, renewable energy, waste management and
development of new and more
efficient technologies in the sector. information and communication technology. They have been granted
With this Italy also aims to explore
the great opportunities offered by collaborative support from
the Indian market.
The Department of Science

and Technology (DST),

Government of India, and

the State Ministry of Skills

Development, Vocational

Education, Research &

Innovation, Government of the

Democratic Socialist Republic

of Sri Lanka, against the joint

call for proposals from a range

of areas. The S&T cooperation

between India and Sri Lanka was initiated and discussed through India Sri

Lanka Sub-Commission on Science & Technology under the umbrella of

the inter-governmental India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission. The countries

have decided to support 3 workshop proposals from among 193 common

proposals received in response to the call. As of now, 27 joint research

projects in food technology, materials, and plant-based medicine,

industrial electronics have been supported.

12 COFIMNAPANNCEY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | JAupnreil 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

iD Fresh's Muscle & Strength India
FY20-21 growth invests Rs 20 Cr for expansion
hits Rs 294 Cr
Muscle and Strength India, a New Delhi based retailer of fitness supplements
iD Fresh Food, a Bengaluru-based and nutritional products, has announced that it is looking to expand
company, has announced its aggressively in the country and aims to open 100 stores this year. The firm is
unaudited financial results for eyeing to launch outlets through the franchisee route in the next one year
the Fiscal Year 2020-21. Driven with an investment of Rs 20 crore as it seeks to deepen its presence in India's
by 24 per cent growth year-over- growing nutritional supplement space. This investment will be funded
year, the company is poised to by internal accruals including investments by franchisee owners. The
leverage its leadership position in expansion plans of Muscle & Strength India also come at a time when there
the booming fresh food segment is increased focus on preventive healthcare as the world is grappling with
with strategic investments in new the pandemic. Muscle and Strength India offers a comprehensive range of
plants and expansion to new genuine high-quality fitness supplements and nutritional products across
domestic as well as international categories such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements etc.
markets. Funded by Premji Invest, manufactured by international fitness brands under a single roof.
Azim Premji’s investment arm,
and Helion Venture Partners, iD TCPL divests stake in Empirical
clocked a revenue of Rs 294 crore, Group and Southern Tea
a noteworthy growth from Rs 238
crore in 2019-20. That too, in a year Tata Consumer Products Limited
marked by global disruptions due (TCPL) continually evaluates its
to the COVID-19 pandemic. For FY businesses across geographies
2021-22, the company is looking in line with its strategic goals.
at an ambitious target of Rs 500 As a result of this process, the
crore, as the stage gets set for its company’s step-down subsidiaries
next round of funding. This year in the USA have decided to divest
the firm plans to invest nearly Rs their entire membership interest
100 crore in new production plants in Empirical Group LLC and
in Delhi, Hyderabad and the US. It Southern Tea LLC to the JV partner
also hopes to increase its footprint Harris Tea Company LLC, USA
in key domestic markets such as (Harris Tea). Empirical is engaged
Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad in the business of selling primarily
and Kolkata, as well as overseas white label tea and coffee in
markets in Saudi Arabia, Oman, the foodservice channel and to
Bahrain and Qatar. contract customers. Southern
Tea is a manufacturing entity
acting as a supplier to Harris Tea is in line with TCPL’s focus on
and TCPL (Empirical, Tetley and its core branded businesses in
Good Earth brands). This move International markets. It will help
further simplify and streamline
the Company’s operations to
enhance business effectiveness
and profitability. Following this
transaction, Southern Tea will
continue to manufacture for
Tetley and Good Earth brands.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | AJupnriel 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COMPANY NEWS 13

LT Foods expands rice-based Ghodawat
snacks brand to Australia, UAE Consumer
introduces
Gurugram based LT Foods’s joint venture company with Kameda Seika, flavoured
Japan’s largest Rice Crackers Company, has started exporting Kari Kari in milk products
the markets of Australia & UAE. Introduced in India in January 2020, Kari Kari
is a premium, healthy, rice-based crunchy snack. Inspired by the famous Kolhapur-based Ghodawat
Kameda Crisp a leader in the Japanese rice cracker market with around 30 Consumer has recently expanded
per cent share, ‘Kari Kari’ is made from rice and peanuts offering a range of its product portfolio by introducing
hearty and wholesome savoury snack in four different flavours Chilli Garlic, flavoured milk products. It has
Wasabi, Salt & Pepper and Spice Mania. Kari Kari is manufactured in LT launched 4 new delectable flavours
Foods’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Sonepat, Haryana through under its popular brand 'Star' to
indigenously grown and sourced ingredients. The company is also growing diversify its dairy business and
a specific type of rice locally, which is the key ingredient in the snack. Kari further strengthen its position in
Kari will now be available in Perth, Sydney and Dubai. The brand will also be the dairy segment. Crafted in the
distributed through the grocery chain store Aldi in Australia. state-of-the-art manufacturing unit,
Star Flavoured Milk contains toned
Apex Labs develops herbal milk and high-quality ingredients.
formulation to treat COVID-19 Star Flavoured Milk retains the
nutritional values of milk while
Apex Laboratories, a Chennai based pharmaceutical company, offering an authentic taste of
has introduced Clevira, an antiviral herbal formulation. Clevira was each flavour to consumers. With
developed primarily to treat dengue patients in 2017. Last year, as the launch of Star Flavoured Milk,
the COVID-19 cases surged in the country, it was repurposed as a the company expects to further
supportive treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The its growth in the market. The new
product is available across India and is flavoured milk products will be
priced at Rs 11 per tablet. A clinical trial available in flavours of Kesar-Badam,
was conducted on 100 people in May-June Chocolate, Rose, and Butterscotch.
2020 and the results were promising. The Star Flavoured Milk is currently
clinical trial results were submitted to the available in 200 ml packs at Star
government of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Localmart, a chain of retail stores
Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the lead by the Sanjay Ghodawat Group.
Ministry of AYUSH in 2020. After rigorous It is also available in various modern
scrutiny and deliberations, the drug has trade and general trade stores
got approval to be used as a supporting across Maharashtra and Karnataka.
measure for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms by the The company while riding on
Government of India (Ministry of AYUSH) regulators. It is a first of its the success and widespread
kind approval in India through various stages of scrutiny at CCRAS popularity of its wide range of daily
(The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences) and Inter- consumable products has now
Disciplinary Technical Review Committee (ITRC), a 12-member technical become a Rs 1,000 crore revenue
committee constituted by the Ministry of AYUSH. company in the financial year
ending March 2021.

14 COMPANY NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Sid’s Farm brings new Parle leverages IBM's
transformative hybrid
offering for vegetarians cloud and AI capabilities

Sid’s farm, Telangana based Modern Dairy brand IBM has announced that it is working with Parle Products
has launched Natural Paneer as one of its key to help bring its products to market more quickly and
offerings in the list of value-added products effectively by leveraging IBM Cloud. Parle will leverage
aimed to provide quality food and ingredients IBM's transformative hybrid cloud and AI capabilities,
to the customers. The uniqueness comes from along with its leading security and industry expertise with
the fact that the company does not use any IBM's business consulting and technology services. This
Hormones, Antibiotics, or Preservatives in the will help Parle get its products, such as Parle-G, the world's
milk and due to which Paneer’s freshness and top-selling biscuit by volume, to market at the right time
softness is maintained. This newly launched and in the right place. By embracing a hybrid cloud-based
Paneer known as ‘Soft & Creamy Paneer’ is approach, Parle expects to innovate more quickly – finding
targeted at vegetarians who are conscious to new ways to get its products into the homes of consumers,
earn proteins in their daily diet and is a popular even as the global pandemic creates challenges in the
ingredient consumed by people across India. The supply chain and mandates that some employees work
Natural Paneer is available in 200 gm packet at remotely. Through streamlining operations and achieving
a cost of Rs 150. With this launch, the company greater scalability to meet changing demands, Parle
aims to grab its share of the pie from the paneer expects to witness business growth in India and beyond.
market in Indian which is worth Rs 75,000 crore.
The local brand within Telangana aims to become
a regional brand very soon and target consumers
to acquire the taste of fresh paneer.

Dr Agravat Healthcare launches ayurveda-based medicinal lollipop

OSMF Mouth Opening Kit mouth dissolving turmeric, Tulsi and
developed by Ahmedabad-based Yesthimadhu, ingredients that have
company, Dr Agravat Healthcare been known to Indians for better
presents its proprietary and health since times immemorial.
trademarked OSMF Lollipop/ This immunity-boosting medicine
candy from its Mouth Opening for COVID-19 that was originally a
Kit. For the first time in the world, part of OSMF Mouth Opening Kit
a company has come up with an to treat oral submucous fibrosis is
Ayurveda based fully medicinal now also available separately along
lollipop that virtually guarantees a with OSMF Oral Gel to fully boost
boost in immunity. This innovative the immune system to perform at
patent pending trademarked OSMF the highest levels against harmful
Lollipop constitutes Ayurvedic pathogens.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS NEWS 15

BOHECO Life opens Ceyone
cannabis-based wellness Nutri India
store in Bengaluru launches
health &
Much awaited and 8 years after brands products – Rx and OTC. wellness
its incorporation, Bombay Hemp Essentially, all products available products
Company’s brand BOHECO Life on www.bohecolife.com are on
is ready to take its agricultural display and available at the store. Kolkata based Ceyone
revolution to the next level by By launching this wellness centre, Nutri India has launched a
launching its flagship store- BOHECO Life wishes to encourage plethora of Immunity Booster
come-clinic in collaboration with communication with the public supplements like ‘Ceyone
Bengaluru distributor Danes too and looks forward to dispelling Organic Spirulina’, ‘NT- Oxidant
Medical Solutions, with MD, Karan any doubts and providing any Tab’ and ‘Ayush Kwath’.
Adpangaya. Through the launch of clarification required. BOHECO ‘Ceyone Organic Spirulina’-
BOHECO Life’s brick & mortar store- has taken upon themselves the Spirulina, also known as a
come-clinic, the startup wishes to mission to revolutionise and Super-food; while ‘NT- Oxidant
only further its vision to Educate, formalise the hemp & cannabis Tab’ is abundant with the
Cultivate and Elevate. The products sector, allowing for standardised benefits of Chawanprash
available at the store will comprise procedures in harvesting, in tablet form along with
BOHECO Life and its partner production, and procurement. the wholesomeness of
Antioxidant herbs like -
Nutrova launches new range Moringo, Amla, Guduchi,
of nutraceutical products Haritaki, the product has
seamless benefits. On the
Mumbai-based firm Nutrova has launched 4 new variants of supplements other hand, Ayush Kwath is
namely Nutrova Collagen Peptides, Nutrova Fish Oil, Nutrova Formula O and packed with the goodness
Nutrova FormulaV.While Nutrova Collagen Peptides is a high-quality poultry- of ingredients like Tulsi,
Cinnamon, this product is the
origin collagen supplement that can be perfect choice to felicitate
used flexibly, in either a 5-gram or 10-gram the proper functioning of
dose, depending on your requirements; cells and tissues in our body.
Nutrova Fish Oil is pure form of fish oil, Ceyone’ has also added
which provides high concentrations of two more products in their
omega-3 fats (especially EPA and DHA) in depository, namely X-Zeal
a smaller-sized capsule. Nutrova Formula for Men that promotes vigor,
O is a multivitamin designed specifically vitality and stamina; and
for standard Indian diets that include She Balance for Women
meat and/or dairy, and Nutrova Formula that regulates/ balances the
V is a multivitamin designed specifically for vegan diets/ vegetarians who hormone in female of all age
don't consume a lot of dairy. Nutrova formulates and develops its products, group starting from startup
with a partner facility called Vital Neutraceuticals, manufacturing them just stage of menstrual cycle in
outside Mumbai, in a city called Ambernath. girls to menopause.

16 STARTUPS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Chozen OZiva introduces plant-
Foods brings based vitamins and minerals
cold water
ice-cream mix Mumbai based startup OZiva has CalD3+. The nutritional super brand
announced the launch of its newest is slated to launch more products
Chozen Foods, a Kerala based range of plant-based vitamins in the same category. The idea
food startup is set to launch and minerals. Aimed at providing behind the launch of OZiva ‘Bettr’
India’s first cold water ice cream better immunity, gut health and Range is to provide plant-based
mix with which ice cream lovers nutrition, these products provide vitamins and minerals in the most
can prepare their favourite ice a revolutionary blend of 100 per natural and purest form that is
cream flavours at home without cent plant derived ingredients that easily recognised by the body, just
milk within just five minutes. are better absorbed by the body like the vitamins and minerals we
The unique product will be compared to regular vitamins and receive from natural foods. The
available in five exciting variants minerals as they are available in a range is backed by multiple studies
- vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, more bioavailable form. The range around particle size, structure of
butterscotch and mango. The includes Bettr.C+ Bettr.D3K2+, the molecules & bioavailability of
85g pack affordably priced at Bettr.Zinc+, Bettr.Iron+, and Bettr. plant derived micronutrients.
just Rs 80 when whipped with
150 ml cold water can offer a Upakarma Ayurveda unveils
yield of up to 500 ml. Chozen Shilajit tea with super herbs
Foods will launch its cold water
ice cream mix in major markets Upakarma Ayurveda, New Delhi extra sugar. The foremost brand
such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, based startup, has launched Pure to introduce Shilajit in its purest
Karnataka, Hyderabad, Mumbai Shilajit Tea. This is the first time resin form, Upakarma Ayurveda
and Delhi in summer. A one- ever that the concept of Shilajit Tea has proceeded to create a category
of-a-kind cold water ice cream has been introduced in the Indian of Shilajit-based products for
mix offers a healthier and tastier market. Formulated by Ayurveda immunity boosting. The brand
alternative to readily available experts after extensive R&D, has single-handedly changed
ice cream brands in the market. the tea is packed with powerful the archaic perception around
The cold water ice cream mix has ingredients such as pure Shilajit, Shilajit and illuminated its
been specially formulated and Ashwagandha,
uses indigenously-developed Cloves, Ginger, numerous benefits for
technology to ensure quality Nutmeg, mind and body. Some
and recreate the unforgettable and 10 other of the benefits of the
chilled sensation during natural brand’s newly-launched
consumption. ingredients. The tea include enhanced
tea is already immunity, improved
sweetened strength and stamina,
with Stevia, calm body and mind,
so there is no better digestion, and
need to add
improved
eyesight.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in STARTUPS NEWS 17

PPP fosters entrepreneurship across agri, nutrition sectors

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), as healthcare projects. Additionally, support their current and future
NITI Aayog has collaborated with Bayer will collaborate with AIM to programmes and foster innovation
German firm Bayer to work towards & entrepreneurship across the
the mission’s innovation and agriculture and healthcare sectors.
entrepreneurship initiatives across Bayer has been present in India for
the country. A Statement of Intent over 120 years and as a leader in
(SoI) of a strategic partnership agriculture, healthcare and nutrition
between AIM and Bayer has been has consistently aimed at using
signed and exchanged to formalise science and technology to benefit a
the collaboration. The SoI will large section of society. This first of a
span the promotion of science kind collaboration in the sectors of
education, advancing digital agriculture and healthcare between
solutions and agri-tech, nutrition AIM and Bayer will aid in fostering
to strengthen supply chains as well innovation and entrepreneurship.

Lo! Foods raises
$1M to strengthen
distribution networks

Lo! Foods, a Bengaluru-based growth, strengthening Fitday announces
startup that offers Low-Carb existing distribution
and Keto friendly packaged networks and ramping up massive PAN India
products along with Cloud marketing. Started in 2019 by
Kitchens across 4 cities, has Sudarshan Gangrade, a serial expansion plan
raised $1 million in pre-series entrepreneur and former
A funding. The round has head of marketing at Ola; Lo! Fitday, a holistic nutraceutical startup
been led by the Chona Family Foods offers a range of healthy based in Hyderabad, has announced
Office, erstwhile promoters of Low Carbohydrates and Keto about its plans to set up 50 brick and
Havmor Ice Cream. The round friendly packaged products mortar stores pan India by 2023. While
also saw participation from that are quintessentially simultaneously ramping up their online
Ecosystem Ventures, Raveen Indian. Each product is presence, Fitday hopes to be the ultimate
Sastry (Co-Founder, Multiply formulated in-house and solution provider for those seeking a
Ventures), KRS Jamwal, provides less than 3 gms of healthy and fulfilling life. The parent
Pratyush Prasanna (Gojek) Net Carbs per serving; making company Genomelabs, focuses mainly
among others. The funds will it 60- 80 per cent lower than on product research, formulation,
be used towards accelerating regular products. manufacturing and product sales.
Currently, within its short existence
period alone, Fitday hosts over 1,000
nutraceutical and wellness SKUs.
Fitday not only showcases products
manufactured by Genomelabs but also
global brands like Isopure, Nestlé and
Optimum Nutrition. Despite having
launched in 2020 during the peak of the
pandemic, the Genomelabs products
alone on the Fitday platform reported Rs
3 Crore in sales during the last fiscal year.

18 WORLD NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Royal DSM Unilever buys wellness firm Onnit
invests
$100M in Unilever has announced that it has (nootropic) for better memory,
personalised signed an agreement to acquire focus, and mental processing.
health & Onnit, a holistic wellness and The brand also offers functional
nutrition lifestyle company, based in Austin, nutrition, fitness essentials,
Texas (US). Onnit’s supplements and a digital content platform
Royal DSM has announced the are the foundation of the brand’s that provides informative and
launch of Hologram Sciences, offering and are made with motivational articles, interviews,
a consumer-facing company scientifically proven and high- advice, and fitness programmes for
that will create brands quality ingredients to provide its loyal and passionate consumer
targeting various health improved cognitive function, base. Onnit will continue to be
conditions. By combining mood and relaxation, gut health based in Austin, Texas, and led
health diagnostics, digital and immunity support. The range by CEO Jason Havey. Founder
coaching and personalised includes Onnit’s hero product, Aubrey Marcus will remain a Brand
nutrition, Hologram Sciences Alpha BRAIN, a brain supplement Ambassador.
brands will provide consumers
with more holistic solutions Nestlé acquires core
to manage their health. The brands of The Bountiful
mission-driven company Company for $5.7B
combines top Silicon Valley
talent, formerly of Uber, Fitbit Nestlé is acquiring core brands of The Bountiful Company for $5.75 billion.
and Facebook. Hologram The Bountiful Company is the number one pure-play leader in the highly
Sciences is backed with a attractive and growing global nutrition and supplement category. The
$100 million investment transaction includes the high-growth brands Nature's Bounty, Solgar,
by Royal DSM, which has Osteo Bi-Flex and Puritan’s Pride, as well as the company's US private
made personalised nutrition label business. These brands will be integrated into Nestlé Health Science,
a key pillar in its nutrition creating a global leader in vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements.
strategy, allowing the The Bountiful Company's sports
company to combine a and active nutrition brands Pure
range of capabilities and Protein, Body Fortress and MET-
resources to cover the entire Rx, as well as Dr Organic and the
personalised nutrition value Canadian over-the-counter (OTC)
chain all the way to the business, which do not complement
consumer. Hologram Sciences the Nestlé Health Science portfolio,
will provide state-of-the-art are not included in the deal. The
consumer-facing personalized transaction is expected to close in
nutrition solutions that have the second half of 2021, following the completion of customary closing
been clinically proven to conditions, including regulatory clearance. The transaction is valued at
address a variety of consumer $5.75 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis, representing a multiple of 3.1x
health needs. As solutions are net sales and 16.8x EBITDA as of March 31, 2021.
validated in-market, they will
be available to DSM customers.
Hologram will also work to
incubate products with DSM
customers and partners,
based on the latest consumer
insights and leveraging their
agile approach.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in WORLD NEWS 19

IPU, FAO launch New US food safety law
requires prominent
handbook on sesame allergen labelling

improving nutrition US President Joseph R. Biden has signed into law a monumental new
food allergy bill requiring that sesame, to which nearly 1.6 million
Aimed at providing lawmakers with Americans are allergic, be labelled on all packaged foods beginning
practical guidance on legislative January 1, 2023 and that food allergy research be given greater
processes that prioritise nutrition, the priority by the federal government. Passage of the Food Allergy
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Safety, Treatment, Education and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021 has
partnership with the Food and Agriculture been the highest legislative priority for FARE, the world's leading
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), non-governmental organisation engaged in food allergy advocacy
have published a new Handbook for and the largest private funder of food allergy research. Because of
Parliamentarians, entitled ‘Food Systems its broader focus on food allergy research, the new law will benefit
and Nutrition’. The online Handbook was the 85 million Americans who are affected by food allergies and
produced in collaboration with the Scaling- intolerances, including 32 million who have a potentially life-
Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, the World threatening condition. The FASTER Act would require that sesame
Health Organization (WHO), the United be labelled as an allergen on packaged foods. Sesame would
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the become the ninth food allergen for which the U.S. Food and Drug
African Union Development Agency's Administration (FDA) requires plain-language labelling. Sesame is
New Partnership for Africa's Development often used when a label reads ‘natural flavours’ or ’natural spices,’
(AUDA-NEPAD). It is emphasized in the adding another layer of difficulty when consumers review product
Handbook that access to food alone is not labels at their local grocery store. This marks the first time since
enough; people need nourishment from 2004 that a new allergen has been added to the Food Allergen
healthy diets. Delivering such healthy diets Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).
requires a holistic approach that supports
diets made up of foods that promote all
dimensions of individuals' health and
well-being. This approach must incorporate
the entire food system - food production,
processing, distributing, marketing,
supplying, eating and disposal.

Europe issues new food storage guidelines

The European Food Safety Authority those products where opening the ‘best before’ date. The opinion also
(EFSA) has recently come up packaging may lead to a growth of includes advice on good practices
with new guidance to help food harmful bacteria, the tool indicates for defrosting food safely. Freezing
suppliers decide what information that the time limit for consumption prevents bacteria from growing.
to give consumers about is shorter than the initial ‘use by’ or However, these microbes can
storing food and time limits for recover during thawing and then
consumption. Once food packaging grow in the food to levels that can
has been opened, bacteria can be lead to foodborne illness. Experts
transferred to food by contaminated even identified good practices that
hands, surfaces, or equipment. minimise the growth of harmful
Setting a time limit for consumption microbes during thawing. Date
is complex, but the tool developed marking gives a useful guide on
by EFSA’s experts assists food how long food can be kept before
suppliers in deciding whether it it begins to deteriorate or become
is appropriate to give consumers unsafe to eat. Clear information on
other instructions in addition to the packaging can also help reduce
‘use by’ or ‘best before’ dates. For food waste in the EU.

20 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

PHARMA SEES

BIGGER

POSSIBILITIES
IN NUTRA SECTOR
Rising consumer health education along with recent advancements in nutrition,
functional foods and medical foods is increasingly driving the growth of Indian
pharmaceutical firms in the Nutra space. The FY20-21 saw a large number of big and
small pharma players launching innovative nutrition-based products to help build
immunity and overall well-being, on par with the food and supplement giants. Not
surprisingly, leading pharma companies are now focusing on the nutraceuticals
and consumer healthcare segments to generate revenue, indicating a
competitive landscape with the food giants.

Over the years, one of the biggest shifts in the of Indian pharmaceutical firms in this
nutrition and dietary supplement industry space. The FY20-21 saw a large number
has been the arrival of pharmaceutical of big and small pharma players
companies. Moreover, amid the COVID-19 pandemic launching innovative nutrition-based
scenario, people’s focus is shifting to a positive products to help build immunity and
approach for the prevention of diseases, and are overall well-being, on par with the food
adopting multi-vitamins, probiotics, dairy products and supplement giants.
and ketogenic diets to stay healthy and motivated.
“The pharma industry will no longer
As a result, pharma giants are now focusing on be able to focus only on illness while
the nutra space including nutraceuticals, vitamins, providing medication but will have to
minerals, functional foods, dietary supplements, keep a balance of how quickly a patient’s
nutritionals etc. to generate more revenue and health is restored. Leading pharma players,
in order to meet rising demands at a global level. including GlaxoSmithKline, Otsuka
For instance, companies like Sanofi, Bayer and Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer, are focusing
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) owe sizable portions of their on nutritional supplements, functional
sales to supplements, and the latter two companies foods, and medical nutrition. At present,
are ranked in the top five companies in 2020 a growing trend for the pharmaceutical
vitamins and dietary supplement sales, according to industry is to enter the food nutrition and
Euromonitor. probiotics market by using strains having
specific health benefits, which have been
Rising consumer health education along with proven in human research trials”, points out Karan
recent advancements in nutrition, functional foods Chechi, Director, TechSci Research, Noida.
and medical foods is increasingly driving the growth

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 21

Strengthening nutra-innovations fight pathogens.
One of the leading pharma players in India, “Maxirich, our flagship multivitamin brand,
Ahmedabad-based Intas Pharmaceuticals has
developed a novel, patented research formulation of has now introduced Tulsi Drops which is a natural
Thymoquinone that fortifies immunity and ensures immunity booster that effectively supports
higher success in fighting infection. Branded as respiratory and digestive health, gives relief from
Thymotas, it has been tested clinically as a significant cough and cold and helps in stress management.
add-on to the standard COVID-19 treatment. Tulsi is a powerful antioxidant with anti-viral and
Thymotas, the active biological component of black anti-microbial properties useful in the treatment of
cumin, has been developed as a stable, standardised cold, cough, sore throat, heart diseases, eye diseases,
and ready-to-use tablet by Intas for the first time in mouth infections, and stomach ailments”, says
the world. Shivam Puri, Chief Executive Officer, Cipla Health,
Mumbai.
Reinstating the importance of immunity
boosting for a healthy living, Cipla Health, the Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals is
consumer healthcare subsidiary of Mumbai-based following suit by launching an immunity booster
pharmaceutical firm Cipla, has recently launched syrup under the brand name Cadimmune. Processed
Maxirich Tulsi Drops. This product has been specially with advanced modern extraction method to
curated with remedial ingredients best known to maintain the aromatic principles, Cadimmune
majorly contains, natural food ingredients such as

22 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“At present, a growing nut grass, khus, sandal wood,
trend for the ginger, etc.
pharmaceutical
industry is to enter Lincoln Pharmaceuticals,
the food nutrition and also based in Ahmedabad
probiotics market by using is another player that is
exploring innovation in
strains having specific health the nutrition space. The
company has recently
benefits which have been proven in human developed chewable
vitamin C + zinc tablet for
research trials.” the Indian market.

- Karan Chechi “The market size for vitamin C and zinc tablets
is estimated at around Rs 150 crore in India and it is
Director, TechSci Research, Noida growing at 15 per cent per annum. Our tablet is an
evidence-based bio-active for natural immunity in
“Maxirich, our flagship the combination of zinc that boosts antiviral activity
multivitamin brand, and protection against COVID-19, in particular. As
has now introduced it is in the form of a chewable tablet, geriatric and
Tulsi Drops which is pediatric patients and traveling patients who may
a natural immunity not have ready access to water are in most need of
booster that effectively easy-to-swallow forms like chewable tablets with a
supports respiratory and pleasant flavour”, says Mahendra Patel, Managing
digestive health, gives relief from cough and Director, Lincoln Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad.
cold and helps in stress management.”
Adding on, Ahmedabad based Zydus Cadila
- Shivam Puri has developed an immuno-booster comprising of
Chief Executive Officer, Cipla Health, Mumbai a unique combination of herbs, multi-
minerals
“The market size for and multi-
vitamin C and zinc vitamins. A
tablets is estimated at one-of-its-
around Rs 150 crore in kind product
India and it is growing in India, it is
at 15 per cent per annum. rich in vitamin
C, D, E and
Our new tablet is an evidence- zinc. It also helps in the maintenance of reproductive
health and increases vitality.
based bio-active for natural immunity in the
With increased focus on preventive healthcare,
combination of zinc that boosts antiviral New Delhi-based Mankind Pharma has recently
incorporated its multivitamin tablet ‘Health OK’ in
activity and protection against COVID-19, in to the food supplement category. ‘Health OK’ has
unique formulations of natural ginseng and taurine
particular.” for maintaining energy, 20 multivitamins and
minerals for improving overall health and vitamin C,
- Mahendra Patel D and zinc, for building Immunity.

Managing Director, “The decision
has come at a time
Lincoln Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad when the country
is grappling with
“We have launched Be the COVID-19
One as an ayurvedic pandemic and there
energy and immunity is an increased
supplement, specially focus on preventive
developed for men to healthcare. Factors
take care of their daily energy

and immunity needs.”

- Rajeev Sibal

President, India Region Formulations,

Lupin, Mumbai

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 23

such as rising health conditions, changing diets and “Nutrition space is expected
eating habits have led to an increasing demand in to become more competitive and
the market. Studies have revealed that multivitamins will see greater innovation”
are consumed for mainly two reasons, overall fitness
and health and to keep up the energy levels in Sudarshan Jain
today’s hectic lifestyle. In the near future, we have Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical
plans to strengthen the overall food supplement Alliance (IPA), Mumbai shares his thoughts on how
category with existing brands, and additionally pharma giants are exploring nutra innovations.
expand the products portfolio”, shares Joy Chatterjee,
General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mankind How do you foresee the trend of pharma
Pharma, New Delhi. companies expanding their portfolio with
nutrition-based products?
Next in line is Mumbai-based pharma company
Lupin, which has developed a new ayurvedic energy The COVID-19 outbreak has changed
supplement for men, Be One, through its consumer people’s outlook towards nutrition and dietary
healthcare business LupinLife. It is an ayurvedic supplements. Since the beginning of the
health and wellness supplement specially developed pandemic, people have resorted to consuming
for men to help them stay energised and healthy. nutraceuticals to boost their immunity and to
cover any nutritional deficiencies. Increasing
“It is scientifically tested and contains 100 concerns on immunity, stress and infections led
per cent ayurvedic natural ingredients including consumers to prioritise products with health
Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Shilajit that boost defense benefits. They also act as a precautionary
energy levels and improve immunity. Ministry of measure for certain lifestyle diseases like diabetes,
Ayush has recognised Ashwagandha and Pippali for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and
their immunomodulatory properties. Additionally, more. On a global scale as well, nutrition-based
both are also recognised as ingredients for building products are showing increasing acceptance
immunity by the National Clinical Management products from the nutrition-based products
Protocol for COVID-19”, says Rajeev Sibal, President, vertical will be in perpetual demand and in
India Region Formulations, Lupin, Mumbai. future this space is expected to become more
competitive and will see greater innovation.
Opening another avenue of innovation in the
nutrition space is Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy’s Are the pharma giants well equipped to
Laboratories. The pharma company has announced carry-on with nutra innovations?
its entry into the hospital nutrition segment with the
recent launch of its nutrition drink Celevida Maxx. Indian pharma companies are continuously
working towards accelerating and improving their
It is a unique addition to the company’s nutrition production capabilities. Although,
portfolio and is designed to help manage the expanding product portfolio
nutritional needs of cancer, critical care and Chronic also requires deployment of
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in additional resources, Indian
India. Dr. Reddy’s has also previously developed a pharma companies will be
clinically proven nutrition drink that is designed for able to leverage current
diabetes patients. resources and can further
build on technological and
“Celevida Maxx contains a unique triple action skill requirements depending
formula of high protein, high omega 3 fatty acids upon the scale of operations
to help tackle the problem of inflammation and and future demand.
astaxanthin, which is clinically proven to support By 2023, India is
immunity. A single serving of Celevida Maxx has expected to hold at
been designed keeping patient compliance in least 3.5 per cent
mind. It offers high protein in a single serve of 33 market share of
gms, with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) that the global market.
get easily absorbed in the body and readily provide
energy. Malnourished patients need ready source of
energy that can be easily absorbed with high protein
thereby helping stabilise the rapid weight loss that
is seen in conditions like cancer”, says M V Ramana,
Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India

24 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“Studies have revealed and Emerging Markets),
that multivitamins are Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories,
consumed for mainly Hyderabad.
two reasons, overall
fitness and health and Alongside the big players,
to keep up the energy levels in many small and medium
today’s hectic lifestyle. In the near sized pharma companies
future, we have plans to strengthen the overall are also stepping into the
food supplement category with existing brands, space of nutrition and
and additionally expand the products portfolio.” supplements. For instance, Hyderabad-based Fusion
Healthcare has come up with an immunity booster
- Joy Chatterjee product under the brand name D`FEND. It consists
General Manager, Sales and Marketing, of vitamin C and zinc, being marketed in a tube of 20
effervescent tablets.
Mankind Pharma, New Delhi
On the other hand, Chennai-based
“We have developed pharmaceutical firm Apex Laboratories has
vitamin-based sprays repurposed its novel herbal formulation being
for faster absorption developed for dengue treatment, as a supportive
and more effectiveness treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases
as compared to recently. The Clevira tablets, comprising of immunity
capsules, tablets, powders and supplements such as Mahanimba, Guduchi,
supplements. We have a strong Kalmegh etc., have been
portfolio of immunity products and plan to developed by the herbal
double the product range in the coming years.” division of the company-
Green Milk Concepts.
- Atul Vasani
Chairman & Managing Director, Mumbai-based Vaishali
Pharma has developed
Vaishali Pharma, Mumbai vitamin-based sprays
containing folic acid, vitamin
“We have developed D3 and vitamin B12, to
Ayush Kwath Powder promote overall health and
to fight against major well-being. The company has
diseases like malaria, added a nutraceutical division
chikungunya and in 2019.
dengue. It is also suggestible to
those people who are suffering “The vitamin-based sprays
from conditions like diabetes.” have been developed for faster
absorption and more effectiveness as compared to
- Dr Saurabh Arora capsules, tablets, powders and supplements. We have
Director, Arbro Pharmaceuticals, New Delhi a strong portfolio of immunity products and plan to
double the product range in the coming years”, says
“There is an active Atul Vasani, Chairman & Managing Director, Vaishali
R&D ecosystem in
nutraceuticals and Pharma, Mumbai.
synergising market New Delhi-based
reach of pharma
companies with traditional Arbro Pharmaceuticals
is towing behind with its
knowledge and modern science recent launch of Ayush
Kwath Powder, enriched
will be important.” with botanical herbs like
Tulsi, Dalchini, Sunthi
- Pushpa Vijayaraghavan and Krishna mirch.
Approved by the Ayush
Life Sciences Practice Lead, Ministry, the product
has been prepared with
Sathguru Management Consultants, Hyderabad unique benefits as it

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in COVER STORY 25

helps to prevent monsoon diseases like cold, cough, “Celevida Maxx contains
allergies, typhoid and viral fever. a unique triple action

“It makes you fit and healthy so that you can fight formula of high
against major diseases like malaria, chikungunya and
dengue. It can also be recommended to those who protein, high omega 3
are suffering from conditions like diabetes”, mentions
Dr Saurabh Arora, Director, Arbro Pharmaceuticals, fatty acids to help tackle
New Delhi.
the problem of inflammation
What lies ahead?
It is quite likely that with generics and limited and astaxanthin, which is
innovation in the drugs space, pharmaceutical
companies are now looking clinically proven to support immunity.”
for new avenues of income - M V Ramana
and setting their sights on
the nutra sector. However, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets
establishing production
plants or unit for new (India and Emerging Markets),
products can prove to be
a logistical nightmare for Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Hyderabad
many pharmaceutical firms.
In addition, few companies industry has solid research departments,
might not necessarily have regulatory structures, and stakeholder
the experience with the relationships which allow these
research and development companies to produce new and
specifics of nutrition-based innovative compounds, a different set
products. of difficulties are being faced by the
manufacturing companies because the
As a result, many regulatory landscape surrounding the
companies are deploying pharmaceuticals is quite distinct from the
the strategy of either acquiring or entering into a nutrition sector”, adds Karan Chechi.
partnership with the established players. A recent
example is that of Mumbai-based pharma company Regulatory groups in pharma
Cipla which has acquired four nutrition products companies are often challenged to
from Wanbury, also based in Mumbai, to further treat non-pharma products differently,
strengthen its presence in the domain of women’s leading to significant inconsistency in
health. interpretation of regulations at times. In addition,
pharmaceutical companies with their organisational
These supplements, acquired from Wanbury, culture, devoted to marketing drugs as well as long
include multi-vitamins, multi-minerals and research cycles, struggle hard to adapt to the fast-
antioxidants developed for adolescent girls, pregnant growing pace of the nutrition market with respect to
and lactating women, women going through the evolving customers’ tastes.
menopause and for female reproductive health. That being the case, pharmaceutical companies
These supplements reportedly have a sales value must learn to compete on taste with competitors
of approximately Rs 60 crore during the FY19-20. in the market and also need to build strong
strategic relationships with big retailers. Despite
On the flipside, Hyderabad-based Aurobindo their enormous sales and marketing resources, the
Pharma has recently sold its American nutritional majority of their efforts are targeted towards medical
supplement making unit Natrol for Rs 4,048 crore, professionals and pharmacists instead of consumers.
six years after buying it. Although details were Only a handful of pharmaceutical companies have a
not disclosed, Aurobindo had announced that consumer arm.
the proceeds from this sale will help cut debt and “Consumer awareness around nutraceuticals
facilitate new strategic initiatives. and nutrition-based products has sky-rocketed
during the pandemic. Riding on the current wave,
“When it comes to the nutritional based products, I would anticipate that more pharma companies
pharmaceutical companies find several barriers will incorporate nutraceutical products in their OTC
present on their side. Although the pharmaceutical range. However, they currently don’t have any in-
house strength in nutraceutical R&D. Co-incidentally
we have been structuring several strategic
partnerships to enable portfolio development in this
expanding area of strategic focus and we anticipate

26 COVER STORY NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Recent nutra innovations by pharma companies

Company Product Ingredients
Intas Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad Thymotas- Supplement Tablets Black Cumin
Cipla Health, Mumbai Maxirich Tulsi Frops Tulsi
Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad Cadimmune Syrup Nut Grass, Khus, Sandal Wood, Ginger

Lincoln Pharmaceuticals, Ahmedabad Emmufast Chewable Tablets Vitamin C, Zinc
Lupin, Mumbai Be One- Supplement Capsules Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Shilajit
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad Celevida Maxx- Nutrition Drink Protein, Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Fusion Healthcare, Hyderabad De'Fend- Supplement Tablets Vitamin C, Zinc

Vaishali Pharma, Mumbai Vitamin Sprays Multi-Vitamins
Arbro Pharmaceuticals, New Delhi Ayush Kwath- Supplement Powder Tulsi, Dalchini, Sunthi and Krishna Mirch
Zydus Cadila, Ahmedabad Supermune- Supplement Tablets Tulsi, Curcumin, Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, D, E, Zinc
Apex Laboratories, Chennai Clevira- Anti-Viral Herbal Tablets Mahanimba, Guduchi, Kalmegh
Ginseng, Taurine, 20 multivitamins,
Mankind Pharma, New Delhi Health OK -Multivitamin Tablet Minerals and Vitamin C, D and Zinc

that partnerships will continue to be important to in large-scale manufacturing and global logistics
power this trend. There is an active R&D ecosystem that reach into mass markets of consumers, but
in nutraceuticals and synergising market reach of their research expertise does not go as deep as that
pharma companies with traditional knowledge and of the pharmaceuticals industry, thus indicating a
modern science will be important”, points out Pushpa competitive landscape between the two in the years
Vijayaraghavan, Life Sciences Practice Lead, Sathguru to come. So, in order to stay ahead, the big pharma
Management Consultants, Hyderabad. will have to do a number of things that go against
their corporate cultures, and be bold and patient, all
Undoubtedly, food companies have a at the same time.
better understanding of the nutrition and food
formulations, in comparison to the pharmaceutical Dr Manbeena Chawla
firms. Food companies also have a strong expertise [email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in ONCO NUTRI 27

Oncology nutrition needs
uniform clinical practice guidelines

To win the battle against cancer, it isn’t just the treatment but also proper nutrition that patients and
caregivers need to focus on. Research indicates that diet plays a very crucial role in determining the positive
outcomes in cancer patients. Cancer-specific nutrition, needs to be very in-depth and needs to be mostly
individualistic. To that end, there is definitely a major scope for oncology nutrition products in the Indian
market as it is largely an untapped market.

Over the years cancer treatment has improved of the opinion that there are indeed some supplements
by leaps and bounds. Cancer a few years ago that help a cancer patient with nutrition, who are
was a dreaded disease as mortality rates were unable to ingest orally or are facing major nutritional
high. With time oncology treatment methodologies, deficiencies, but they aren’t really helpful in the long
technologies and outcomes have improved, which has run. She states, “The entire oncology nutrition market
helped quash the notion that an individual with any form is negating a very imperative element of cancer
of cancer was going to succumb to the disease. Today nutrition, and that is the dietary regimen the patient is
with better treatments available, millions across the indulging in on an everyday basis. While nutraceuticals
globe have been able to get back to leading normal lives. and nutritional formulas are great products to sell and
Cancer treatment outcomes are only going to improve have beneficial impacts on the nutritional status of the
with time with newer breakthrough technologies and patient, only a few are interested in helping patients
methodologies. understand the importance of a healthy dietary regimen
to follow for the long-run. Nevertheless, this is a two-
To win the battle against cancer, it isn’t just the way street, the suppliers are providing what is required
treatment but proper nutrition that patients need to for short term gains and the patients want a quick fix.
adhere to. The National Cancer Registry Programme Although both go hand in hand- neither is going to have
Report 2020, released by the Indian Council of Medical a long-term impact on the patient’s recovery or well-
Research (ICMR), estimates that there will be 13.9 lakh being.”
cases of cancer in India in 2020, and that this number is
likely to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025.

Cancer burden isn’t going to decrease anytime soon
due to factors like sedentary lifestyle, consumption of
processed foods, alcohol intake, smoking and various
other factors which are still being researched. These
factors also highlight the need to lead a healthy lifestyle
along with a healthy balanced diet.

Buoyant Onco nutrition market Source: Mordor Intelligence
During the course of treatment, diet is an important
factor that helps patients recover better during
treatment. Oncology nutrition which is relatively new,
is a fast growing market across the globe. The oncology
nutrition market was valued at $1.34 billion in 2017 and
is expected to reach $2.21 billion by 2023 (Oncology
Nutrition Market report: Markets and Markets).
According to Mordor Intelligence report on Oncology
Nutrition Market- Growth, Trends, COVID-19 impact, and
Forecasts (2021 - 2026), Asia Pacific is seeing the fastest
growth in oncology nutrition.

Samara Mahindra, CEO & Founder, Carer, Bengaluru is

28 ONCO NUTRI NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“The entire oncology In the last few years the nutrition market as well as
nutrition market is the nutraceutical market has made splashes across the
negating a very globe. People are more health conscious than they have
imperative element of ever been. There is a plethora of information available
cancer nutrition, and across forums. There are new nutritional/nutraceutical
that is the dietary regimen the products cropping up in the market on a regular basis,
but the information that is available, is either unclear
patient is indulging in on a daily or there is just no evidence of the effectiveness of the
products. Products are pushed into the market with
basis. “ strong marketing strategies that have a psychological
impact on consumers as they are hammered into the
- Samara Mahindra minds.

CEO & Founder, Carer, Bengaluru “Cancer-specific nutrition, needs to be very in-
depth and needs to be mostly individualistic. Cancer
“Cancer specific nutrition, might be the same, as in the name, but every patient's
needs to be very in- body deals with it differently. There are various
depth and needs to be different parameters to be considered. Also there
mostly individualistic. are various stages too. Hence we don't find cancer
Cancer might be the specific foods or supplements easily. Also taking
same, but every patient's body into consideration the preservatives etc. that might
get added, which might be a minus point for cancer
deals with it differently. Drug- patients. Drug-nutrient interaction also needs to be
looked into. But recently there have been companies
nutrient interaction also needs to be looked coming up with specific onco products and we can
hope for the best, so that some more come in and
into.” we can give the best nutrition treatment to all cancer
patients,” shares Suvarna Sawant, Chief Dietician, HCG
- Suvarna Sawant Cancer Centre, Mumbai.

Chief Dietician, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai She further adds, “We just can't prescribe a high
protein and high calorie diet to them and leave it at that
“One of the most relevant point. We, as dieticians, have to pay special attention
syndromes that increase to the likes and dislikes of the patient, which is done
as cancer progresses is through a thorough dietary recall. Based on this,
cachexia or wasting of individualistic diets are planned and given. Also in most
muscles that can cause cases, patients' appetite goes for a toss, hence we have
weakness and death. There is a to give them small portions of food with max calories
and proteins, nutritionally dense meals.”
need for preparing the body for
There is definitely scope for oncology nutrition
the treatment, during the treatment and during products in the Indian market as it is largely an untapped
market. Currently the oncology nutrition market is
recovery stage.” dominated by Abbott, Nestle SA, Fresenius Kabi AG, B
Braun Melsungen AG and Hormel Foods Corporation,
- Raktim Chattopadhyay with the US being the largest market for oncology
nutrition by 2024, according to Mordor Intelligence
Founder & CEO, Esperer BioResearch report).

“Cancer specific food Preventing nutritional imbalance
or supplements Mumbai-based Esperer BioResearch has launched two
are a complete health supplements Es- Fortitude (nourish, protect
misnomer. There are & recovery) and Es- Invigour (base formula) directed
studies which have towards cancer treatment, which is backed by extensive
emphasised that Indian diet research on nutritional deficiencies in cancer patients in
India. Raktim Chattopadhyay, Founder & CEO, Esperer
is well balanced for all essential

macro and micronutrients. The issue or

the paradox being inability to consume

the same due to treatment related side

effects.”

- Dr Trinanjan Basu

Consultant Radiation Oncologist,

HCG, Cancer Care Mumbai

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in ONCO NUTRI 29

Top 5 global Onco Nutra players

 Abbott  B Braun Melsungen AG
 Nestle SA  Hormel Foods
 Fresenius Kabi AG
Corporation

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Source: Mordor Intelligence Nonexistent uniform guidelines
Currently there are no standard guidelines in place
BioResearch is of the opinion that oncology nutrition is in India when it comes to oncology nutrition,
of utmost importance, which can help a patient recover oncologist, dieticians rely on diets that patients are
better during, after the course of cancer treatment. comfortable with, supplements are added if necessary
as a booster. Dr Trinanjan Basu, Consultant Radiation
He comments, “One of the most relevant syndromes Oncologist, HCG, Cancer Care Mumbai, says, “Oncology
that increase as cancer progresses is cachexia or management has always been a pandora's box. There
wasting of muscles that can cause weakness and are complex interplays between diagnostic tools,
death. Hypermetabolism is correlated with clinical and treatment modalities, rehabilitation approaches and
biological markers of cancer cachexia and is associated all cumulate into quality of life. Various international
with a shorter survival in metastatic cancer patients. guidelines like European and American cancer
Thus, there is a need for preparing the body for the nutrition (ASPEN and ESPEN) have formulated various
treatment, during the treatment and during recovery aspects of oral and enteral nutrition among cancer
stage. Nutritional imbalance has a direct impact on patients. Unfortunately, we lack standardised pan India
cancer and our quest is to mitigate the risk that stems guidelines for the same. We do have institution-specific
from nutritional deficiency in cancer patients.” guidelines for cancer patients and it is really the need
of the hour for uniform clinical practice guidelines for
Diet not only plays an important factor in mitigating cancer nutrition.”
cancer risks but also in better recovery from cancer.
Certain diets contribute significantly to certain types He further comments, “Cancer-specific food or
of cancers. Hence, one cannot emphasise enough on a supplements are a complete misnomer. There are studies
healthy diet and lifestyle. which have emphasised that Indian diet is well balanced
for all essential macro and micronutrients. The issue or
Samara adds, “There are some nutritional the paradox is the inability to consume the same due
supplements or formulas that are helpful and in some to treatment related side effects. The latter becomes
cases, essential in providing the additional nutritional important while patients of enteral or parenteral
resources to patients who are unable to ingest orally nutrition (tube feeding or IV nutrition). The challenge
or are facing major nutritional deficiencies. However, to supplement essential nutrients becomes paramount
there are also multiple brands and concoctions that in these scenarios. We do have availability of many
are not validated and as a result are harmful in nature. nutritional supplements in India and I believe at times
In cases of depleted protein levels, which is a common we as oncologists face the huge task of understanding
side effect experienced by cancer patients, most, if not which is superior.”
all, are prescribed protein powders. The issue occurs
with the quality and ingredients of these powders. It The Indian onco-nutrition market has been
either has high levels of refined sugar or preservatives gaining momentum but it requires a more inclusive
that are unnecessary. The unfortunate circumstance collaborative approach. Imported, over the counter
in the country is that there is a lack of reliable and supplements cannot fill the nutrition void that
natural range of nutritional formulas that can be cancer patients suffer from. There is a need for more
openly prescribed to the patient and supports their companies to invest in oncology nutrition that caters
essential dietary requirements. Having said that, there to the Indian demography as imported products that
is a change being witnessed as smaller companies are are available haven’t been made keeping Indian cancer
entering the market and are creating a wider range patients in mind. The demand for oncology nutrition
of wholesome and natural products for the clinical products is on the rise, with well-rounded products
nutrition fraternity in India.” being the need of the hour.

Prabhat Prakash
[email protected]

30 SAFE FOOD NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

9 pathways in tackling
triple burden of malnutrition

India is faced with a triple burden of malnutrition, viz., under-nutrition, micronutrient deficiency and over-
nutrition. The deficiency of micronutrients exists despite impressive economic growth (6 per cent in 2018-
19), a high level of food grain production, and an increase in per capita net availability of total food grains
(MoAFW, 2020). The food and nutrition security initiatives will have to be tuned in keeping with changing
demographic structure, livelihood patterns, climate change, and health-specific needs.

There is a coexistence of undernutrition, over- THR (take-home ration). The Government of India has
nutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies in India. A programmes for diversifying the cropping system such
structural shift in the dietary pattern and nutrition as Crop Diversification Programme (CDP), National
transition is observed. The contribution of cereals to Horticulture Mission, National Food Security Mission-
calorie and protein intake is high, and an increased Pulses. There is a need to improve the coverage of these
share of non-cereals items in calories and protein intake programmes and increase the production of fruits
is reflected. The consumption of unhealthy foods has and vegetables rich in micronutrients. It is required to
increased. Widespread adoption of healthy diets may integrate these programmes with resource conservation
lead to some adverse environmental impacts. Multi- technologies like micro-irrigation, precision agriculture,
pronged strategies with increased coverage, better postharvest management infrastructure, and marketing
targeting, change in design, higher allocation of funds, infrastructure.
and coordination between different policies and
programmes to achieve Sustainable Development Goal  Reducing postharvest losses (PHL)
(SDG) – 2 targets are required.
Another important pathway for ensuring food and
To overcome these triple burden, Prof. S Mahendra nutrition security is to reduce PHL. India is the second-
Dev, Director and Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Institute largest producer of food next to China. However, in
of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai and Dr India, only 2.2 per cent of the farm produce is processed
Vijay Laxmi Pandey, Professor, IGIDR, Mumbai have against around 23 per cent in China. A high level of PHL
recommended nine pathways namely - 1) improving in India is unacceptable when a large section of the
dietary diversity, 2) reducing postharvest losses, 3) population is undernourished. More than half of women
bio-fortification of staples, 4) empowerment of women, suffer from anaemia, which is one reason for the high
5) enforcing standards of foods safety, packaging, and rate of low-birth-weight babies (CNNS, 2019). These high
labelling, 6) improving WASH, 7) Food safety awareness levels of losses are mostly due to improper handling,
and nutrition education, 8) Implementation of food inadequate transportation and packaging, low storage,
safety and nutrition programmes and 9) Use of ICT for and poor postharvest management. It is being reported
safe and healthy diets for nutritional security in India. that the use of postharvest technologies like storage
These pathways were presented at a national dialogue bags and drums and the application of postharvest
on “Indian Agriculture Towards 2030” organised by the loss management practices have positive outcomes on
NITI Aayog, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’Welfare farmers' price realization. New and innovative methods
(MoA&FW) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of are required to reduce the PHL and manage the harvest
the United Nations (FAO). properly. Strong farm-firm linkages might also facilitate
in reducing PHL by providing assured markets. These
 Improving dietary diversity institutional services and reducing PHL can also help
smallholders raise their productivity and income and
Availability and access to adequate amounts of diverse mitigate the risks involved in participating in the markets
food groups are required to address undernutrition and for high-value crops, livestock, and fishery products.
micronutrient deficiency. The household dietary diversity
can be improved by increasing crop diversity and having  Bio-fortification of staples
access to kitchen gardens, including diverse food groups
in the safety net programmes such as PDS, MDM, and and improving awareness

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in SAFE FOOD 31

Bio-fortification may be one of the more cost-effective  Enforcing Standards of
solutions to provide the desired levels of nutrients. Indian
diets are shifting towards high-value crops, and more Foods Safety, Packaging, and Labelling
emphasis should be given to bio-fortifying vegetables Food safety has become a serious issue with its public
and fruits along with staples in India. The initiative of health implications. In response to the increasing
distributing bio-fortified staples grains through PDS will number of FBD, Government of India has intensified the
help in reducing hidden hunger. There is a need to develop efforts to improve food safety by supply and demand-
the supply chain for bio-fortified crops. ICT initiatives of side interventions. FSSAI is in the process of revising
both public and private sectors can improve awareness Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling)
among the farmers to adopt bio-fortified crops and among Regulations 2011, with having three different regulations
consumers for safe and natural nutrient-rich primary and dealing with packaging, labelling, and Advertisement
processed produce. The involvement of food business & claims requirements. FSSAI is also in the process of
firms is required along the supply chain for broader overhauling the labelling regulations for packaged food
adoption by the consumers. However, food businesses products. The draft regulations propose colour-coded
require guidance for food product development and front-of-pack nutrition labelling to enable consumers to
marketing of bio-fortified food products. identify high fat, salt, and sugar products. Indian food
regulation lays more emphasis on food adulteration due
 Empowerment of women to its being an important issue. However, there is a need
to focus on other food safety issues, also together with
Empowering women has been shown to positively food adulteration. FASSI is in the process of fixing some
impact dietary diversity. Women's education has a of its shortcomings for a safe and sustainable diet.
significant role in improving children's dietary diversity
and nutritional status. Hence, there is a need for targeted  Improving WASH
policies to increase women's education and empower
them for a healthy diet. Access to adequate clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
(WASH) and clean cooking fuel is crucial for nutritional
According to NSSO, India’s female literacy rate was security. Government of India has taken many initiatives
70.3 per cent in 2017-18, which has improved from 65.5 towards improving WASH, such as Jal Jeevan Mission
per cent in 2011 (Census 2011). Government of India has (JJM) and Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM) (Clean India
taken many initiatives to empower women. The Right Mission). JJM aims to provide Functional Household Tap
to Education Act (RTE) came into force in 2010 for free Connection to every rural household by 2024. Under
and compulsory education for children between 6 and SBM, around 10.28 crores of toilets were built, and the
14. The central government introduced the Beti Bachao coverage of rural sanitation increased from 34 per cent in
Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign in 2015 to address the 2014 to 100 per cent in 2019. The usage of these toilets
declining sex ratio and improve girls' education level. The is reported to be around 95 per cent (Government of
Samagra Shiksha scheme was launched in 2018-19 to India, 2019). SBM is now moving towards Phase II of
make good quality education accessible and affordable SBM Grameen to ensure that the open defecation free
to all. This scheme subsumes the three Schemes of Sarva behaviours are sustained, no one is left behind, and
Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, that solid and liquid waste management facilities are
and Teacher Education. To empower the adolescent accessible. These programmes will help in reducing FBD.
‘SABLA’ scheme was launched in 2010 to improve their
nutritional and health status and promote awareness
about health, hygiene, and nutrition.

The role of women in Indian agriculture is increasing.
Nearly 77 per cent of the total rural women workforce
is employed in this sector (Labour Bureau, 2011).
Conditions under which women are engaged (for
example, prolonged exposure to fertilizers, pesticides,
long working hours) and the support systems to
strengthen women's capacity to care for themselves and
their children are of utmost importance. Easy access to
maternity entitlements (JSY, THR), optimum quality day
care facilities for children within the community and at
the place of work is critical to strengthen caring capacity
and translate higher incomes.

32 SAFE FOOD NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Identification and traceability issues is a need to make nutrition education and nutrition
have gained prominence in food information part of the education system and be
systems. A food traceability system integrated with other community programmes to
is an essential tool for managing food improve the intake of nutritious food in a safe and
quality and safety risks and developing hygienic manner. It is shown that when nutrition
effective supply chain management. information is provided, consumer acceptance and
The traceability techniques used in India willingness to pay increases for healthy food.
are radio-frequency identification (RFID)
tags to track inventories, Holograms,  Use of ICT
Barcode, Nuclear techniques, and
other tracking media to monitor the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
production process. can play a vital role in providing useful information such
as nutrition-sensitive messages, healthy meal menus,
 Implementation of food safety recipes, etc. and educating people about lifestyle
recommendations. ICT can also be used for real-time
and nutrition programmes monitoring, data management, and convergence
Pathways for a sustainable diet that is safe and healthy need of schemes. Radio broadcasting can be a medium
sustainable food systems and require better implementation for comprehensive coverage in a less expensive
and synergy between different policies and programmes. To manner related to food safety measures, labelling, etc.
achieve SDG 2 of reducing hunger and malnutrition by 2030, Penetration of mobile phones has rapidly increased in
effective implementation of programmes can contribute India. It can be used to disseminate different information
significantly in attaining the targets. The MGNREGA related to food safety, food handling, processing, etc.,
positively impacted child and woman well-being. It has such as information about ways to preserve food, the
also been shown to positively impact household income, requirement of products at various stages of the food
empowerment, and well-being of women and improve supply chain to avoid wastage. The information can be
children's nutrition and health and education and reduce sent in the local language and can also engage symbols
child labour. Apart from its direct benefits, it has secondary and digital pictures, as smartphone users have increased.
benefits such as creating assets for agriculture and rural
development, more women's participation, helping Identification and traceability issues have gained
marginalized sections like SCs and STs reducing distress prominence in food systems. A food traceability system is
migration, and involvement of panchayats, etc. an essential tool for managing food quality and safety risks
and developing effective supply chain management. The
The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a critical traceability techniques used in India are radio-frequency
instrument towards improving food security at the identification (RFID) tags to track inventories, Holograms,
household level in India. The impact of ICDS on child Barcode, Nuclear techniques, and other tracking media to
nutrition and protecting children's rights is quite limited. monitor the production process.
There is a need to increase its coverage to ensure rapid
universalization, change the design, and restructure In India, these strategies need to focus on improving
it with higher allocations of funds and effective dietary diversity, kitchen gardens, reducing postharvest
implementation. The ICDS programme must effectively losses, bio-fortification of staples with its inclusion
integrate the various elements that affect nutrition and in safety net programmes, women's empowerment,
reflect children's different needs in different age groups. enforcement of standards and regulations, improving
WASH, nutrition education, and effective use of digital
The midday meal has helped reduce serious technology in more innovative ways in food systems. The
malnutrition, and for older children (aged 11-12), there recent fact sheets of NFHF-5 indicate that besides WASH,
is evidence of significant positive impacts on children's women empowerment, and education status, other
learning. Supplemental income can be started with old factors like household income, personal hygiene, health
age populations by enhancing the amount of old-age information, and nutrition knowledge might be critical
pensions scheme and making it nearly universal. for sustainability in improving nutritional outcomes.
In the future, food and nutrition security initiatives will
 Nutrition education and food safety awareness have to be tuned in keeping with changing demographic
structure, livelihood patterns, climate change, and
It has been recognized that education, especially for health-specific needs. They also have to be linked with
women, is associated with a reduction in the mortality the overall development activities of the country.
rate, dietary diversity, and improved nutrition. There
Narayan Kulkarni
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in GUT HEALTH 33

Major re-learning needed
to push microbiome
market from nascent stage

The pandemic has made all extremely cautious in all aspects of life, from basic hygiene to the diet. The same
cautionary approach is filtering into the preventive approaches to health. Gut health research has drawn
a definite correlation between the presence (and absence) of microbes in the stomach and repercussions
on one’s health. That said, people are increasingly gravitating towards building up a healthy microcosm
of bacteria in their guts. Aiding this endeavour are the ‘gut health boosters’ that include prebiotics and
probiotics. India seems to be ready to welcome this new approach to a healthy and productive lifestyle.

As per the current scenario, Asia accounts for digestion, immunity, hormone balance, skin appearance,
almost half of the global probiotic market, with mental health and heart health. Having a diverse gut
China representing 55 per cent of the probiotic microbiome composition is essential for our overall
market and the growth is only set to continue. In India, health.
over decades, the machine model of medicine has been
used to set an agenda for medical research. This disease- “Since 1970 we have been witnessing new challenges
based model of health has held onto the belief that as to our health including rising of metabolic disorders,
long as the affected body part(s) could be fixed, the autoimmune diseases, immune health and disease of
problem would be solvable, hence no need was felt to the ageing brain such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and
address the root cause of the disease. So this outdated Autism. In India alone, 9 per cent and 25 per cent of
model needs a replacement with a human biology- the total adult population suffer from Type 2 diabetes
based model to understand how our body works, how and cardiovascular diseases respectively. If we talk of
to run it optimally and fix issues sustainably without any digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome,
collateral damage. To supplement that, the system is acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
required to lay high emphasis on decoding gut microbial 10 per cent of the Indian population is affected,” stated
DNA which is directly linked to every chronic disease be Sushant Kumar, Founder and CEO, Genefitletics, Delhi.
it diabetes, depression, obesity, heart diseases, cancer,
digestive issues such as IBS or even mental health issues India holds a promising future when it comes to
such as parkison’s. the application of the gut microbiome. As per the
experts, the best way to move forward is to leverage
The gut bacteria/microbiome market in India is still
at a very nascent stage when it comes to the application
of the gut microbiome to prevent and intercept chronic
diseases. Indian population still believe that diseases
such as diabetes, acid reflux, heart diseases and
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not reversible
and depend upon a medication prescribed by doctors
to manage their symptoms. Since gut microbiomes
are highly dynamic, complex and impacting human’s
overall health, scientists are now digging deeper into
what these microbiomes are doing with the food that
humans consume and how their interaction with food
has a profound impact on one’s health. Experts are
going to deep dive into the gut microbiome’s role in

34 GUT HEALTH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

“We have developed
and commercialised
a unique gut
microbiome test called
BugSpeaks. Also, we
have developed a supplement

brand called Rychbiome. Since,

now more awareness with respect to

the gut microbiota’s role in health and

wellness is growing, I see a huge demand

in the gut microbiome space both in the

diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic

domains.”

- Dr Debojyoti Dhar

Co-Founder and Director,

Leucine Rich Bio Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

huge datasets that can help us predict the advent of about the gut microbiome among the Indian population
diseases and use Artificial Intelligence to provide dietary is miniscule and there is a strong reason behind it.
interventions.
Almost all Indians believe that diseases such as
“In the next 5 to 7 years, we could envisage more diabetes, acid reflux, heart diseases and IBD are not
gut microbiome research based businesses being set reversible and depend upon medication prescribed by
up to provide data driven solutions, which can help us doctors to manage their symptoms. Key stakeholders
move from subscribing to drugs and surgeries to gut of Indian healthcare system- doctors, hospitals,
microbiome based personalised dietary intervention pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies
unique for every individual. With increase in adoption have made people believe that no solution exists to
rate, the cost of getting a gut microbiome testing would overcome or reverse these chronic diseases and best
decrease and make it more accessible for the general they can do is to manage and control them. Only a
public,” Kumar added. minuscule population is aware that resetting and
optimising bacterial communities living in their gut
Echoing the similar sentiments, Dr Debojyoti can help them reverse chronic diseases. However, this
Dhar, Co-Founder and Director, Leucine Rich Bio gap in awareness presents numerous opportunities for
Pvt Ltd., Bengaluru said, “We at, Leucine Rich Bio gut microbiome studies. In addition, the uniqueness of
have been continuously working in the field of gut this population provides subject groups to study gut
microbiome-based solutions in the South Asian region. microbiome with respect to various aspects such as
We have developed and commercialised a unique genetics, geography, diet and various diseases.
gut microbiome test called BugSpeaks in this region
which includes a proprietary three phase nutritional “When we started this journey, we found less
recommendation based on the gut microbiota of the awareness not only in the general public but also
individual. Also, we have developed a supplement brand among the clinician community. Slowly, we have seen
called Rychbiome, which is India’s first gut microbiome much more interest cropping up in the Indian market
data-based supplement/ functional food brand. with respect to the gut microbiome. COVID-19 has also
Since, now more awareness with respect to the gut highlighted the importance of gut health in immunity
microbiota’s role in health and wellness is growing, I see and disease. So, I feel both interest and awareness are
a huge demand in the gut microbiome space both in the growing in the Indian population. In fact, many of the
diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic domains.” customers who undertake BugSpeaks test are well aware
of the various facets of the gut microbiota, which is a
Opportunities in India welcome change that we have seen. However, we still lag
As mentioned in medical journals, human body is a our Western counterparts mainly because there many
structure that houses both harmful as well as beneficial of them are aware of the technology available in hand
bacteria. Constructive bacteria nurture the gut and to delve deep into the gut microbiome space and since
make it stronger and healthier which results in elevating their economy is better, they can afford to do much more
immunity, keep obesity and diabetes at bay. Knowledge experimentation with new age tools,” stated Dr Dhar.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in GUT HEALTH 35

“Since 1970 we have
been witnessing new
challenges to our
health including rising
of metabolic disorders,
autoimmune diseases, immune
health and disease of the ageing
brain such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and
Autism. In India alone, 9 per cent and 25 per cent
of the total adult population suffer from Type 2
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases respectively.
If we talk of digestive disorders such as irritable
bowel syndrome, Acid Reflux and GERD, 10 per
cent of the Indian population is affected”.

- Sushant Kumar
Founder and CEO, Genefitletics, Delhi

The gut microbiome has evolved with different making customers/patients, the key decision makers
lifestyles, diet, socioeconomic conditions, and the use of their life, which is opposite of the current healthcare
of various medications by the host. The interesting delivery practice in India, where customers are made
proposition will be to explore the microbial composition dependent on doctors, hospitals and pharma companies.
of our ancestors and study the effect of modernization The solution lies in educating and empowering people
on present-day humans. Recently, an attempt was made on how gut microbiome can be used to overcome
to understand the ancient microbiome. their chronic diseases by just making changes in their
nutrition without any need to resort to medication and
Metabolic signatures are important to understand surgeries,” said Kumar.
the various interactions at play in the gut. India needs
more evidence to convincingly associate a specific There is another major challenge that is leashing the
metabolic marker with certain condition. Currently, growth of this sector is funding. Most of the investors
country is on the right track and sooner than later in India have a very low confidence in investing gut
it will get to a point where such tests will become microbiome domain as they feel that healthcare sector is
mainstream. However, it is important to understand more viable in giving them heavy returns as compare to
that gut microbiota is a very complex ecosystem and its gut microbiome.
interaction with the host is also very complicated, hence,
metabolic markers along with microbiota profiling “I feel many investors in India have still not
might provide the complete picture. Setting up new appreciated the potential gut microbiome domain has in
and innovative solutions in the gut microbiome market the healthcare domain. Unless, more investors show faith
supported by government initiatives, tax soaps and in this domain, this space will remain underutilized and
fiscal incentives coupled with education and knowledge under-represented,” opined Dr Dhar.
dissemination to the Indian population can assist in
taking this market to the next level. Correlating dietary habits and lifestyle with diseases
such as obesity and diabetes is another challenge that
Challenges and hurdles this industry is facing. These are the common diseases
The Indian market currently lacks knowledge and that are spread across the country and their data can be
research on gut microbiome market in comparison easily accessed but linking this data with the patient’s
to the US and Western Countries. Doctors and other dietary habit is a tough nut to crack. Therefore, associating
stakeholders are either not aware of this solution or are diet-gut microbiome-disease will require large sampling
not keen to endorse this model, since this will directly that includes various fractions of this vast population.
impact their current revenue funnels. The current Furthermore, longitudinal studies that involve detailed
entrepreneurial mindset is focused on only setting follow-up of individuals that are at a risk of developing
up market places to provide convenience be it doctor a certain disease is essential. Such studies will require a
consultations, blood tests of pharmacy. meticulous effort by researchers who will also be assessing
the gut microbiome in order to detect any biomarkers
“This market requires deep rooted research and associated with the microbiome in such individuals.

Nitin Konde

36 GUT HEALTH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

K R Venkatadri, What’s propelling
the Gut health
Chief Operating Officer - industry to new
Nutrition Sciences, heights?

Tata Chemicals, Mumbai

For many years, digestive health and inner well-being Traditionally, people have resorted to conventional
have been among the most common topics of discussion. ways of treating their gut with foods like curd/yoghurt
However, the difficulties of COVID-19 pandemic, as well as but with the change in lifestyle and increased focus on
the relationship between digestive health and immunity, hygiene, the same consumers are now looking out for
have pushed these issues into the spotlight. Since the supplements that can help meet their body’s nutritional
outbreak of the pandemic, the focus has shifted back on requirements. A variety of other probiotics have also
immunity and gut health and owing to this, the gut health been identified as essential and beneficial, for example,
market is growing and evolving at a rapid pace. the products express high content of Omega-3 and
variant fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of
People have become more conscious of their gut cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
health and are therefore adopting the conventional
home remedies for sorting out their gut problems. Studies on gut health
Various common complications, such as gastric ulcers, Increasing focus on gut health has led researchers to
gastritis, stomach cancer and oesophageal issues such as want to know more about it, leading them to conduct
oesophagitis, are linked to poor gut health, and people various studies in this field and discovering amazing
are increasingly becoming more aware of such diseases. facts about our gut and its impact on our health.
The fact that the development of the body's immune
system is supported by a balanced gut, is fueling the A recent study on gut health has found a link
demand for products that improve gut health. between caesarean section birth and microbiota in gut
health. The research states that children born through
Market outlook C-section deliveries had shown signs of low diversity
The market has already been showing emphasis on gut of intestinal microbiota, critical to immune system
health in recent years, but it has become a hot topic of development.
discussion in the wake of the pandemic and constantly
rising consumer demand for healthier foods and Another research from the University of Colorado
ingredients. As a result, many companies are competing discovered a correlation between gut microbiota
for this available space. The rising demand for fortified composition and autism, finding that certain bacteria
and high-nutrition foods is a significant market driver are differentially present in people with autism. During
today. the research, other variables such as diet were also taken
into account.
The sector is projected to reach $57.54 billion
globally by 2025 and is expected to expand at a strong Another research from a team of Dutch scientists has
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3 per cent made the connection of poor diet with pro-inflammatory
until at least 2024. Nutritional and fortifying food gut bacteria, where it was found that consumption of
additives are one of the main factors driving market processed foods and animal-derived foods has led to
growth recently. Furthermore, the overall market has clusters of gut bacteria known to cause inflammatory
benefited from the growing geriatric population, responses.
rising healthcare costs, evolving lifestyles, and food
formulation innovation. Studies have also suggested that alterations in
gut microbiota can modulate emotional behaviours,
including depression and anxiety. A study published in
March 2020 in the Human Microbiome Journal found
that people, who are more social have a more diverse

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in GUT HEALTH 37

gut microbiome, while more anxious people have a less Although consumers have become
diverse gut microbiome. But more importantly, this is an increasingly aware of the environmental
observed association — not a cause-and-effect finding. footprint of animal protein, this
awareness has grown significantly due
The complex interplay between gut health and to the current pandemic, which has
human health is driving researchers to study more about underscored the multitude of dangers
the gut and its relations with our overall health. Over of the current food system, from
time, the efforts to understand the gut are only going to exacerbating climate change, food
increase, as people start to realise its importance and the insecurity, antimicrobial resistance and
role it plays in building our immune system. danger of emerging diseases.” Although
consumers have become increasingly
Opportunities aware of the environmental footprint.
India is a strong competitor in the global nutraceuticals
market due to its unique advantages of rich heritage digestible food and also produce fatty acids that are
and expertise, availability of raw materials, development important for human health.
in herbal extract manufacturing, and a strong presence
as a preferred supplier in many export markets. With Way forward
the growing demand for dietary supplements from the In 2021 and beyond, gut wellbeing is expected to gain
upper and middle classes, India's nutraceuticals market even more momentum. Consumers are expected to
is projected to rise from $4 billion in 2017 to $ 18 billion place a greater emphasis on preventative health and
in 2025. a balanced diet following COVID-19. Gut health is
already gaining traction in the western markets among
Food as a wellness agent is becoming a topic of customers seeking a holistic approach to healthy living.
interest to consumers as they opt for prevention over Ingredients including prebiotics and fibres are important
treatment. People in the Asia Pacific region have shown for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.
a preference for remedies such as vitamins and dietary
supplements. Thus, presenting an opportunity for Going forward, R&D will play a key role in launching
domestic players in the nutraceutical and supplements innovative products and solutions. This coupled with
industry. The opportunities are especially significant the evolving lifestyle preferences and the increase in
considering that 68 per cent of Indian consumers knowledge among consumers will propel this industry
occasionally suffer from gastrointestinal problems. into new horizons.

The opportunities are also due to the sense of
health consciousness that is developing fast among the
population. For instance, customers are today looking to
replace sugar and also find several means to increase the
nutritional benefits of what they consume.

Challenges for players
Currently, there is a lack of information and awareness
around the science behind gut health and the
importance of prebiotics and probiotics. This lack of
awareness can prove to be deterrence and a challenge
for the new players entering the arena.

The regulatory pathways that the companies need
to take for their regulatory and clinical strategy are not
well defined yet. Ensuring research backups on the cover
would be positive and gain consumers’ confidence. Also,
a major challenge emerges when offering improved
formulations with prebiotics.

There’s empirical evidence that if a person's gut
microbiota has certain bacteria, the person is at a higher
risk of developing Crohn’s diseases, ulcerative colitis
and irritable bowel syndrome. The microbiome plays a
crucial role in ensuring people’s health and wellbeing.
These microbes help a person to gain energy from non-

38 SPEAKING WITH NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Sudarshan Gangrade, “There is a huge lack
of low-carb foods in
Founder, Lo! Foods, the market that are
Bengaluru tested and verified”

Founded in early 2019 by Sudarshan Gangrade, Former chocolates. We also have a wide variety of fresh foods
Head of Marketing at Ola, Bengaluru based startup ranging from parathas, rolls, and sandwiches to desserts
Lo! Foods offers low carbohydrate and keto-friendly like almond halwa delivered through 18 cloud kitchens
range of packaged food products that are tasty and across Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi NCR. Each Lo!
suitable for the Indian palate. It has raised $1.5 million so Foods product is tested at NABL certified laboratories.
far from a clutch of well-known angel investors, including
Anuj Golecha, co-founder of Venture Catalyst, Rashmi How did the business fare in 2020? What plans are
Daga, founder of Freshmenu, Raveen Sastry, co-founder of lined up for 2021?
Myntra, and Mitesh Shah, CFO of BookMyShow. In addition Our team has been constantly growing and is expanding
to the packaged products, Lo! Foods has 20+ Cloud Kitchens every month. At present we are a team of over 80
across India that offer freshly prepared low-carb and members. So far, we have raised $1 million in funding
keto-friendly food made with their in-house products. In a and more than 30,000 customers use our products each
recent interaction with NuFFooDS Spectrum, Sudarshan month. The pandemic didn’t really have an impact on our
Gangrade, Founder, Lo! Foods, Bengaluru talks about his business in 2020. In fact, we have grown over pre-COVID
plans on how to help consumers cut down their carb intake levels each month, of course, except for April during the
and avoid lifestyle disorders like diabetes. Edited excerpts; lockdown period. Our major plans for this year include
the expansion of distribution channels and international
What are the current dietary challenges the startup is expansion. We have now expanded our operations to
addressing? Singapore and the USA. We are planning to launch a
We are striving to reduce the burden of obesity, whole range of new products that address more food
diabetes, cardiac, and other key lifestyle diseases caused categories, as also are targeted towards a larger market.
by the disproportionate share of carbs in the Indian We are expecting a growth of 200 per cent in 2021-22.
diet. To deliver on this, we offer a wide range of Indian
foods that are typically 60- 80 per cent lower in net How is the concept of cloud kitchen evolving in India?
carbohydrates. Apart from a lack of awareness, the main How do you foresee the integration of technology in
challenge faced by the Indian low-carb diet market is a the F&B industry?
lack of food products that suit the Indian taste palate. Cloud kitchens in India have become mainstream with
They are either low on taste or are way different from wide acceptance among all kinds of customers - be it
what we regularly eat. But more importantly, there is a fine dining or everyday wholesome food. Multi-brand
huge lack of low-carb foods that are tested and verified. outlets catering to varied cuisines from the same
Lo! Foods is on a mission to reduce the incidence of premise is becoming the mantra for sustainability and
obesity, diabetes and cardiac risks. By 2023, our goal is viability. Technology is being led by big platforms. Not
to reduce the incidence of these diseases by 5 million. only are they making it very easy to integrate into their
We have a wide variety of Indian foods reimagined tech platform, but they are also making it easy on the
with low-carb ingredients and superfoods to uplift and consumer side. So we expect technology to be more
boost its healthiness without any compromise on taste driven towards integration with tech platforms, rather
or flavour. Our packaged food products range includes than F&B players developing their own tech.
atta, namkeen, snacks, cookies, Indian desserts, and
Dr Manbeena Chawla
[email protected]

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in MEAT INDUSTRY 39

Booming meat
industry needs an
infrastructural nudge

India’s per capita meat consumption stands at around 5.6 kg as opposed to the global Narendra Pasuparthy,
average of about 33.2 kg. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Founder & Chief Executive Officer,
(ICAR), given India’s population, ‘even a tiny per capita consumption increase has the Nandu’s, Bengaluru
potential to translate into a significant rise in the fresh meat volumes’.

One of the major challenges continues to be the which is presently largely unorganised, with around
global pandemic and striking a balance between 8,000 registered and over 20,000 unregistered
the needs of the economy and the health of the slaughterhouses in the country. The unorganised
country’s population. The International Monetary Fund character of the market has been a significant
(IMF) has projected that the Indian economy will grow obstruction in unlocking the Indian meat industry’s
by an impressive 12.5 per cent in 2021 and 6.9 per cent true potential. Now, with the urban market driving
in 2022. India’s meat industry, valued at $44 billion, is domestic consumption, the shift towards hyperlocal
poised to ride this growth wave as the world recovers and omnichannel meat retail brands is expected to pay
from the pandemic. huge dividends in 2021 and beyond.

Although the challenges facing the Indian meat The consumer demand for branded products means
industry were compounded by the pandemic, signs of that the meat industry will have to increase its efficiency
growth are already visible across the sector. Between and provide safe (hygienically processed, growth
March and April 2020, much of the livestock industry and promoters and antibiotic-free), world-class products.
meat processing facilities were forced to shut down as Food-processing machinery suppliers reported a 20
a result of lockdown restrictions due to the pandemic. per cent increase in new machinery orders in 2020. The
The corresponding disruption to the logistics and supply way forward is to seize the opportunity to restructure
chain impacted the industry. However, by August, the the industry, drive automation and influence consumer
sector was in ascendance, with exports and production buying behaviours.
reaching pre-COVID levels.
Global demand
The challenges thrown by the pandemic-enforced The World Bank has projected that by 2030 the demand
lockdowns saw the industry innovate and find ways to for food across the world will rise by 50 per cent, but for
reshape how meat is supplied, distributed and retailed/ meat, the demand will increase by 85 per cent! India is
sold. The pandemic also helped change the industry’s well poised to cater to this growing global demand.
outlook towards automation at production facilities.
The industry was forced to look for ways to keep the As the second-fastest growing processed meat
supply chain going and the answer seemed to have been and poultry market, India’s reputation in providing
right in front of us for many years. ‘hygienic, safe, nutritious and competitively-priced’
meat has been built over the decades and has seen
Changing trends exports rising at a compounded rate of 10 per cent
More and more consumers are making the shift from annually. Currently, India exports meat to countries like
local wet markets and neighbourhood butcher shops UAE, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, Malaysia,
to meat retail brands that offer fresh, hygienic meat, Thailand and Bhutan.
untouched by human hands while processing, free of
antibiotics and with 100 per cent traceability across the However, the country has to keep pace with other
supply chain. Consumers today want to know about global leaders when it comes to innovation and
their food’s journey through the supply chain – from technology to harness its potential. The meat industry
farm to fork. in India requires the support of the government to build
infrastructure, streamline and innovate supply and
This change in consumer buying behaviour distribution models, as well as enact policies that will
bodes well for the organised industry as a whole help drive long-term growth.

40 PROTEIN ALTERNATIVE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Algae to become alternative
protein frontrunner

Rama Devi Tentu, We need to address the growing demand for meat while also ensuring that our
food is sustainably sourced, which means we need food that tastes exactly like
Research Fellow, meat but does not burden the environment. The rapidly evolving landscape
Good Food Institute India, of plant-based meat and cultivated meat, produced directly via cell culture
of animal cells, provides delicious and nutritious alternatives to conventional
Mumbai meat to consumers.

In India companies like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, either in the form of supplements or to fortify commonly
and Eat Just, are fast becoming household names in the consumed snacks like chikkis in rural India.
plant-based sector by sheer dint of their technological
innovation in product development, the amount of Alternative protein space
capital raised and the consumers they have managed to Developing end market products is crucial to uptake
reach. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as there the supply as it builds up with greater availability of
is a whole new generation of products waiting to be algal biomass. Algae-derived products like carrageenan,
discovered that could be made not only from plant-based alginates, agar, and oils have been commonly used in
and cultivated proteins but also other protein sources like food applications for decades. The development of new
microalgae, seaweed, yeast, fungi, etc. applications from algal biomass is still in its infancy as a
majority of companies globally are focused on bringing
Algae to save the day down the cost of commercial production.
Algae, which includes microalgae and seaweed, have
gained a lot of attention in the recent decade. Though Using algae-derived proteins as ingredients in
microalgae were explored intensively for biofuel alternative meat, egg, dairy, and seafood products is
applications, they are now being explored as sources of an upcoming application and several companies are
proteins and oils like omega 3 fatty acids. Also, seaweed actively working in this space. Triton Algae Innovations
was brought to the limelight recently when the Bezos Ltd., based out of the US, is one such company focused
Earth Fund awarded $100 million to the World Wildlife on producing heme from non-genetically modified
Fund (WWF) to mitigate climate change, and ‘developing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an ingredient for
new markets for seaweed’ was identified as a key focus plant-based meat products. Similarly, Algama, based
area. The seaweed sector is gaining traction in the Indian out of France, is involved in identifying microalgal
ecosystem as well. strains, commercial extraction of proteins, and
ingredient development to attain desired organoleptic,
The Indian Union Government has recently thrown its physicochemical, and functional properties.
weight behind the seaweed industry as an employment
generator particularly for local coastal communities. As There is also interest from big companies like Nestlé
part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat relief package, Rs 637 crore and Unilever to enter into the alternative protein space
have been allocated for seaweed cultivation under the and utilise algae as a sustainable source of protein.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to be Nestlé has entered into a partnership with Corbion to
spent over the next five years as subsidy support. While develop microalgae-based ingredients for use in their
wild harvesting of seaweed in India contributes to less portfolio of food products. Unilever has partnered with
than 1 per cent of global seaweed production, India has Algenuity, which specialises in developing microalgae
the potential to become a leader in seaweed production for use in consumer products, to explore food products
with its 8100 km long coastline holding rich biodiversity based on microalgae.
of seaweeds. In the case of microalgae, most production
activities are led by small and medium-sized enterprises The collaboration of multinational companies with
along with geographically sporadic local production by biotechnology startups for developing algae-based food
farmers. Spirulina is the most commonly grown species products, and a growing number of startups creating
of microalgae and is sold as a nutraceutical product algae-based meat, seafood, egg, and dairy applications
demonstrate that microalgae and seaweed can be a
promising source of alternative proteins.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PROTEIN ALTERNATIVE 41

Growing interest in India Global startups using
In India, technology consultancy firms like GreenBubble alternative protein source
are providing support to companies with lost-cost
production systems. On the other hand companies like  New Wave Foods, a US-based startup, is creating
SeaGrass Technologies, Parry Nutraceuticals, Shaivaa sustainable, plant-based shrimp alternatives
AlgaeTech, and NB Labs are expanding microalgal made from seaweed and other natural
production systems and exploring new application ingredients.
areas. Research institutes like Central Salt and Marine
Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) and Central  Odontella, based out of France, has licensed
Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have been patents relating to the utilisation of Odontella,
closely working with farmers to implement efficient a type of microalgae, and has created a
seaweed farming practices in local communities. microalgae-based smoked salmon alternative.

Utilising the existing extraction capabilities in the  Kuleana, based out of the US, is working on
food and pharmaceutical industries will help these creating plant, microalgae, and seaweed-based
companies and communities to go beyond selling algae tuna.
whole biomass products and venture into downstream
processing of algae to create functional protein isolates,  Belgium-based company Damhert has a vegan
oils, lipids, and fats for use in alternative protein algae burger product in its portfolio which is
products. Currently, there are startups in India operating already in the market.
in stealth mode working on creating plant-based
meat, egg, seafood, and dairy from microalgae-derived  The Netherlands-based company, Seamore, has
ingredients. As the alternative protein sector evolves in a wide range of seaweed-based food products,
India, these startups will play a key role in creating a new including chips, wraps, pasta, bread, and a
generation of sustainable proteins to create alternative bacon replacement.
meat, egg, dairy, and seafood products. Such products
can not only stand out thanks to their unique nutritional  NovaMeat based out of Spain has recently
and flavour profile but also help diversify the portfolio of developed a 3D-printed alternative meat
protein sources available to Indian consumers. product using plant-based and algae-based
proteins.
High on taste and application
Nutritionally algae are a rich source of micronutrients  Spira, based out of the US, is working on
and essential minerals. From a taste perspective, they creating algae-derived protein isolate as an
have a characteristic umami flavour typically found in ingredient for plant-based milk and texturising
seafood making them suitable for alternative seafood meat analogues.
applications. Creating proof of concepts to demonstrate
that it is possible to develop alternative protein products India has a unique advantage as a global bio-
from algae will be crucial in India to nudge investors and manufacturing hub and can be an industry leader in
the corporate sector to actively fund innovations that algae-based products with the right balance of academic
can create an end market for algae. research and funding from the government, corporate
sector, and venture capital firms. With the help of
Given the potential of algae as a sustainable food existing technical expertise and channeling investments
source, the flexibility to engineer efficient production in technological development and academic research
of proteins, and the presence of nutritionally and across the value chain, India can lead the way to
pharmaceutically valuable compounds from algae, the cost-efficient, functional applications of algae in the
future of algae-based products is bright. End market alternative protein sector, and a new generation of
applications of algae, especially in the alternative protein delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat, egg, dairy,
sector, need to be built systematically and step-by-step. and seafood replacements.
The rise in algae production should be complemented
with a rise of small and medium-size industries that can
process algae and provide a fair price to farmers and
suppliers for their harvest. In line with this, downstream
processing and product development infrastructure
need to be established to bring innovative algae-derived
end market products.

42 FSSAI INITIATIVE NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Food Safety: A
Shared Responsibility

Arun Singhal, Food safety is a pertinent issue that has a significant impact on public health.
It is a challenge for every nation across the globe to ensure its citizens are
Chief Executive Officer, having access to safe food. Food safety is a critical link between good health
Food Safety and Standards and nutrition but is often neglected. The FSSAI’s role is very vital to ensure
Authority of India (FSSAI), maintenance of food quality all throughout the food value chain.

New Delhi

In India, food-borne illnesses remain a threat to the processes through effective surveillance mechanisms.
entire population and their consequences in terms In the past few years, the Food Regulator has been
of suffering, disability, and loss of life or foregone
incomes and wages, these personal and social costs are actively working to enhance the entire Food Ecosystem
usually very high. The burden of food-borne illnesses in a revolutionary way and has come up with various
is comparable to malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. regulatory reforms to ensure food safety. The FSSAI has
It is estimated that every year 100 million cases of been working towards the revision of FSS (Licensing
food-borne diseases (FBD) are reported in India and it & Registration) Regulations that would simplify the
costs $15 billion annually to the country. The expected process of both application and renewal, thus entailing
food-borne disease burden is set to rise from 100 up to reduced time and effort. The FSSAI is also releasing new
170 million people per year in 2030 in business as usual regulations to facilitate and speed up import clearances
scenario – increasing from one out of 12 to one out of 9 and ensure that only quality products, compliant
people falling sick on average. with the standards are imported into the country.
These recent developments by the FSSAI will not only
Recent research has unveiled a strong support ease of doing business but will also provide
interconnection between unsafe food and adverse an easy understanding of rules and regulations to be
health and nutrition outcomes. Infection by food-borne followed by the food businesses as well as mandatory
pathogens results in poor absorption of nutrients from compliances to ensure food safety.
food, particularly of vitamins and minerals that impact
the nutritional status of an individual. The FSSAI’s role is very vital to ensure
maintenance of food quality all throughout the
Both food handlers and consumers often lack food value chain, be it in the inspection
awareness on basic food safety, hygiene and sanitary of food manufacturing facility or
practices leading to consumption of unsafe food, distribution or retail
which results in food-borne illnesses. These food-borne facility and subsequent
ailments not only pose a threat to the health of the laboratory testing as
public but also affect the socio-economic development defined under
of the country. the FSS
Act. In
Enforcing scientific standards order to
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensure
is playing a critical role in the direction of food safety better
to empower India towards a healthy future. Established quality
under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006, the control of
FSSAI is the apex food regulatory body in the country
with the mandate to ensure safe and wholesome food
for all citizens. As a part of its core regulatory functions,
FSSAI sets science-based, globally benchmarked
standards for food safety; ensures credible food testing
for quality and compliance to these standards and

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in FSSAI INITIATIVE 43

food manufactured/distributed/supplied in the market, Laboratories (NFLs) in Chennai and Mumbai.
the FSSAI has over 200 notified testing laboratories for Furthermore, the FSSAI has approved 53 rapid food
food testing across the country. All FSSAI notified labs
are NABL accredited and have the capability to analyze testing kits/devices to ensure faster, better and cheaper
various food matrices. In addition to this, some basic real-time testing of food even at the field level, thus
preliminary food testing can be done by following the assuring the safe and good quality of food while raising
DART manual of the FSSAI. Places that are far away from the bar for food safety in the country.
the FSSAI notified labs, can utilize Mobile Food Testing
Laboratories (Food Safety on Wheels). The regulator is also concentrating on periodic risk-
based inspections, third-party audits and focused checks,
The FSSAI is incorporating a Central Sector Scheme especially for high-risk category products to ensure
for Strengthening of Food Testing Ecosystem with a total that safe and quality food products are available in the
expense of Rs 481.95 crore. This includes Rs 300 crore market and earn the trust of the consumers.
for strengthening the network of laboratories across the
nation as well as provisioning mobile food testing labs Now the authority is significantly improving its
and other related equipment. connect with the States and Union Territories (UTs) by
way of regular meetings through video conferencing
Expanding the scope and reach and visits involving meetings with all regulatory staff,
The regulator is focused on strengthening the food food businesses, training and audit partners as well as
testing laboratory (National Food Testing Laboratory) other important stakeholders and engaging with Chief
in Ghaziabad to perform better and advanced testing. Secretaries and Health Ministers of States/UTs to have
A state-of-the-art laboratory on a Public Private better coordination at the ground level.
Partnership model at Ghaziabad ensures training &
capacity building of laboratory personnel in advanced The regulator is also providing technical and financial
methods and techniques. A total of 11 National assistance to States/UTs for the creation of necessary
Reference Laboratories (NRLs) have been set up across infrastructure, testing equipment and mobilizing
the country to develop standards for routine procedures, resources for carrying out special camps, inspections,
awareness drives, etc. by signing a Memorandum of
validation of such standard procedure/ Understanding (MoU). To further facilitate State Food
testing methods, development of new Safety Departments, the FSSAI is actively investing its
methods and ensuring proficiency in efforts around training and capacity building of Food
testing across the food Safety Officers (FSOs) and field-level staff along with the
laboratories with Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) deployed across
special reference to regional offices.
the risks or food
categories. The The FSSAI has significantly accelerated the training
FSSAI is also and capacity building of personnel in food businesses
focusing on (both in the organised and unorganised sector) through
improving the the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) - a
infrastructure unique programme to ensure that there is a trained
and capacity of and certified Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) on each
new National food business premises. Almost 4.9 lakh FSS have been
Food trained so far. To add more, the FSSAI tried to meet the
novel demands of the unprecedented pandemic by
quickly introducing an online training programme on
hygiene practices required during COVID-19, which has
already trained over 2.5 lakh FSS.

This year’s World Food Safety Day theme celebrated
on June 7, ‘Safe Food for a healthy tomorrow’, also
manifests that the production and consumption of safe
food have immediate and long-term benefits for people,
the planet and the economy.

Along with effective regulatory mechanisms and
standard-setting practices, it is important to understand
that food safety is a shared responsibility and it is the
duty of every stakeholder including consumers to
demand safe, healthy and sustainable food. This will help
in protecting the health and safety of the public.

44 PEOPLE NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Danfoss appoints Sujeeth Pai as
Director for Sales & Service

Danfoss India, serving a wide range of President, Danfoss India who will
industries such as food & beverages, chair the Drives Solutions’ full value
refrigeration and many others, chain in the country, given his
has appointed Sujeeth Pai as the decades of experience in the segment
new Director of Sales and Service & region. Pai will also become a
for Danfoss Drives in India. With a part of DDS Global Sales extended
resolve to promote robust regional leadership team. Pai, a Mechanical
management at Danfoss India, engineer by qualification, has rich
the company has moved Danfoss experience in the B2B segment,
Drives Segment (DDS) Sales to a having spent the last 16 years of his
regional leadership framework to career spread across India and the
further enhance customer outreach Asia Pacific working with various
and accessibility of top leadership engineering companies like National
and promote targeted innovation Instruments, Fluke Corporation, etc.
to address the unique needs of in several senior leadership sales
the Indian market. He will report positions and delivering remarkable
to Ravichandran Purushothaman, sales growth.

Atish Chandra Tata Consumer Products
takes charge hires Deepika Bhan as
as Chairman & President, Packaged Foods
MD of FCI
Tata Consumer Products (TCP), the consumer products company
Atish Chandra has been appointed as uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata
Chairman and Managing Director (MD), Group under one umbrella, has announced the appointment
Food Corporation of India in the rank and of Deepika Bhan as the Company’s new President - Packaged
pay of Additional Secretary. Chandra, a 1994 Foods, India, effective April 27, 2021. Deepika joins TCP from
batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, is currently Hindustan Unilever
Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, where she was Global
Brand Director, Haircare
Cooperation and for South Asia. She
Farmers Welfare. The has had varied stints
appointment is a in Sales, Customer
part of a large scale Marketing, Media,
reshuffle conducted Brand and Category/
by the government P&L roles in her career
recently where during which she has
20 senior officers led large teams across
were relocated. brands and portfolios.
The FCI was set up She has also worked
in 1965 having its with PepsiCo and Tata
first District Office Motors. Purposeful
at Thanjavur and business leader with an excellent performance track record of
headquarters at Chennai that later shifted building consumer brands, Deepika leverages 17 years of deep
to Delhi under the Food Corporations Act Marketing & Sales experience to steer large businesses onto a
1964 to implement the various objectives of path of accelerated profitable growth.
the National Food Policy.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in PEOPLE NEWS 45

Rajeshwari NAMS elects NIN
scientist as Fellow
Jayaraman steps
Dr G Bhanuprakash Reddy, status of elderly as well
in as GM-Marketing Head of Biochemistry people with age-related
division of Hyderabad- diseases to understand
at Hershey India based National Institute the influence of nutrients,
of Nutrition (NIN) has particularly micronutrients
Hershey India has recently appointed been elected as the Fellow on molecular mechanisms
Rajeshwari Jayaraman as General Manager – of National Academy of related to age-related
Marketing (category lead). Rajeshwari joins the Medical Sciences (NAMS), diseases. He is also fellow
company from Nivea, where she was working New Delhi, in recognition of many national and
of his significant research international academies
as a senior contributions in the area including National
product of Molecular Nutrition. Academy of Sciences India
manager Dr Reddy’s research, (NASI), Telangana Academy
for around focused on molecular of Science, AP Akademi of
twoyears. nutrition of chronic non- Sciences and Royal Society
Rajeshwari communicable disorders, of Chemistry, UK.
has more than is evident by more than
10 years of 190 scientific publications
experience in journals of repute.
in the FMCG His recent analysis on
industry vitamin A status among
across under-five children in
Personal India led to the revision of
care and current universal vitamin
Foods categories. Prior to joining Nivea, she A supplementation (VAS)
worked with General Mills for around four policy to a targeted state-
years as an associate marketing manager. In based VAS programme.
the past, she has also worked with Cavinkare He has also worked on
and Marico. She has demonstrated success in evaluating the nutritional
building relationships and leading large cross
functional teams/agencies across various roles
in Business/ P&L and Marketing.

Diageo names Lavanya Chandrashekar as new CFO

Multinational beverage alcohol and geographies. She started her
company Diageo has announced career at Procter & Gamble where
changes to its finance leadership she worked for more than 15 years
team following the appointment supporting the organization’s
of Lavanya Chandrashekar as Chief finance functions across a global
Financial Officer (CFO) Designate. portfolio of recognised brands.
Vinod Rao will resume leadership Prior to Diageo, she was CFO of
of Group Investor Relations on an Mondelēz International’s North
interim basis, as Global Head of America business, where she spent
Investor Relations, effective June more than four years. Originally
1, 2021. With a career spanning 20 from India, her career has seen
years, Lavanya is known for both her work in Asia, North America,
her results-orientated approach Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
and ability to drive transformational Lavanya joined Diageo in 2018 and
change, across multiple markets resides in Greater New York, US.

46 INGREDIENTS NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

EnzymCo starts papain production in Madurai

Chennai-based EnzymCo is starting segments. The locally collected latex
up the first production run at its and the refining process at the state-
new factory in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. of-the-art facility from EnzymCo
The production of papain enzyme guarantee just in time deliveries of
is the key activity at EnzymCo, but a very performant protease that is
besides papain, the company also GMO-free, plant-derived, not toxic
offers other plant-derived and and 100 per cent biodegradable. The
animal-derived enzymes. The local multiple applications of papain and
management and investors share the the company's expertise lie in food
same passion for enzymes and have supplements, food and beverages,
a rich history of producing enzymes pet food and feed markets. As enzyme
and finding innovative applications experts in the field of protein, bakery,
for customers. The expertise of meat processing, beer brewing and
EnzymCo will bring added value to dairy, EnzymCo can offer a diversified
processors out of different market portfolio of proteases.

Olam Food Ingredients Univar Solutions,
acquires spices supplier
Olde Thompson for $950M Novozymes expand

Kainos Capital, a food and consumer-focused private equity firm, distribution deal
has announced that it has agreed to sell its portfolio company
Olde Thompson to Olam Food Ingredients, an operating Univar Solutions Inc. has announced an
group of Olam International, a global food and agri-business, agreement to expand its existing global
in a transaction valued at $950 million. Olde Thompson was relationship with Novozymes to include Latin
America. Under terms of the new agreement,
acquired by Kainos in May Univar Solutions will distribute enzymes for
2018. Headquartered in the dairy and protein ingredient sectors in
Oxnard, California, Olde Brazil and the protein ingredient and brewing
Thompson is the largest sectors in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and
dedicated manufacturer Bolivia. Meanwhile, in Mexico and Central
and supplier of private America, Univar Solutions will distribute
label dry spices and Novozymes' entire food and beverage (F&B)
seasonings in North enzyme portfolio. Novozymes is a global
America. Last year Olde leader in the production and development
Thompson acquired of the food and beverage industries and
Gel Spice, which further impacting the sustainable growth of these
established it as a leader markets. Novozymes and Univar Solutions
in the spice category. started their business relationship in 2004.
The acquisition created Since then, the companies' partnership has
a differentiated bi-coastal manufacturing footprint, unlocked expanded across geographies and served
additional channels, and expanded the company's product several food ingredients market segments to
offering into pouches, extracts and single serve seasonings for now include Latin America.
meal kits and other applications. The Kainos team has invested
over $2 billion of equity in over 75 investments with a total
value over $12 billion over the last 25 years. Kainos specialises
in investing in family and founder owned businesses where it
can be a value-added partner and instill a culture of operational
excellence through its sales development, manufacturing,
supply chain and administrative expertise.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in INGREDIENTS NEWS 47

Arcadia Bio adds novel cereal grain to portfolio

Arcadia Biosciences, headquartered subsequently licensed exclusively
in the US, has announced that it has to Agrasys for commercialisation.
acquired, through Arcadia SPA, S.L., the Tritordeum is a combination of durum
assets of Agrasys S.A, a food ingredients wheat and wild barley, resulting in a
company based in Barcelona, Spain. The nutritious grain that is high in fiber,
transaction includes the physical and protein and lutein. Lutein is a carotenoid
intellectual property assets to enable with anti-inflammatory properties that
Arcadia to commercialise Tritordeum, is known to improve or even prevent
a proprietary cereal grain that was age-related macular degeneration, a
developed at the Instituto de Agricultura leading cause of blindness and vision
Sostenible - Consejo Superior de impairment. Tritordeum is highly
Investigaciones Científicas, (IAS-CSIC) functional in a wide range of cereal-
the largest public institution dedicated based applications such as bread,
to agricultural research in Spain, and crackers, pasta, baked snacks and beer.

Cargill unveils plans Amyris, Ingredion focus
for new canola
processing facility on sugar reduction

Cargill has announced plans to break ground on based ingredients
a new canola processing facility in Saskatchewan,
Canada to support the growing global demand for Amyris has announced that it has signed an agreement
canola products. The company expects to begin with Ingredion Incorporated for the exclusive licensing
construction on the $350 million project, which will of Amyris's zero-calorie, nature-based, fermented Reb
have a similar design to Cargill’s existing Camrose M sweetener. In addition, the agreement includes
facility, early next year with plans to be operational an Ingredion minority ownership stake in the Amyris
by early 2024. The company will also update and Brazilian manufacturing facility that is currently under
modernise its canola facilities in Camrose and Clavet construction. The combination of Amyris' leading
over the next 12 months to increase volume and synthetic biology technology platform to develop,
broaden capabilities at both locations. The new scale and produce fermentation-based products
state-of-the-art facility is projected to have an annual with Ingredion's global market and customer reach,
production capacity of 1 million metric tonnes and formulation capabilities and commercial teams will
will provide a consistent and fast point of delivery for accelerate the availability and adoption of zero-calorie,
farmers and end users. This investment will generate nature-based sweeteners and other clean labeled
approximately 1 million hours of employment fermentation-based food ingredients to the world's
throughout the construction phase. Upon leading food and beverage companies. Ingredion, via
completion, the company expects the facility will add its PureCircle subsidiary, will become the exclusive
approximately 50 full-time positions. global business-to-business commercialisation partner
for Amyris's sugar reduction technology that includes
fermented Reb M.

48 ACADERM&IDC NEWS NUNFUFFOFODOSDSSPSEPCETCRTURMUM | | MJaurcnhe 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

IIT-M develops Probiotics can have
immune balancing
paper-based sensor effects on sleep

for food safety analysis Irregular sleep patterns are associated with immune health
and may underpin a range of health issues in rotation shift
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology workers. By supporting the intestinal microbiota, probiotic
- Madras (IIT-M) and the United Kingdom have supplements may lessen the negative impact of interrupted
developed a paper-based sensor that can detect sleep on the immune system, new study suggests. Denmark
antimicrobial pollutants, which induce antimicrobial based Chr. Hansen, in collaboration with Griffith University
resistance in water bodies. This sensor works on a in Australia, recently completed a study on the impact of
‘see and tell’ mechanism that makes it logistically stress, sleep, and the immune response. The aim of this
effective for wide implementation. The sensor can study was to investigate the benefits of two independent
be used for the detection of antibiotics such as probiotic strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus, DDS-1 and
ciprofloxacin, biocides such as triclosan and heavy Bifidobacterium, UABla-12, on the immune system of
metals such as chromium, copper and lead. The individuals working rotating shifts. While the study points
paper-based sensor offers an affordable platform for to the potential of probiotics to impact the change across
various point-of-care applications as they support markers of stress and the immune system in rotating
fluid flow based on a wicking action and governed shift workers, the findings may be applicable to a large,
by capillary force. Food safety analysis is one of otherwise healthy population dealing with inconsistent
the many applications offered by the paper-based sleep, be that new parents, students facing exams, people
sensor. The novel strategy for low-cost fabrication in stress-filled situations, etc.
of the robust laser printed-microfluidic paper-based
analytical sensors will help to detect antimicrobials
easily in the parts per million range. 

Neem formulation indicates 55% efficacy in prevention of COVID-19

ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad August and December 2020. The study
and Nisarga Biotech, based in Mumbai, was approved by the Institutional Ethics
have announced the final data from a Committee and registered at Clinical Trial
pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo- Registry of India (CTRI) and was conducted
controlled trial studying prophylactic activity in accordance with Good Clinical Practice
of a proprietary, patent-pending, Neem-leaf guidelines and according to all applicable
extract of Nisarga Biotech in healthcare local regulatory and ethical requirements.
personnel and relatives in daily contact with Results demonstrated the probability of
COVID-19 patients. The study was a planned COVID-19 infection in participants receiving
collaboration of ESIC Medical College and Neem capsules 50 mg twice a day for 28-days
Hospital, Faridabad & All India Institute was reduced to less than half (a relative risk
of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, and was of 0.45) of participants receiving the placebo,
sponsored by Nisarga Biotech Pvt Ltd, Satara, with the effectiveness of Neem capsules
Maharashtra.The study was conducted in 190 being around 55 per cent. Biomarkers and
participants aged 18-60 years at ESIC Medical Quality of life (QOL) remained stable in both
College and Hospital, Faridabad, between groups.

NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in R&D NEWS 49

Vitamin C may not lessen risk of testing COVID-19 positive

A recent study has suggested rising by 110 per cent and those to plug this knowledge gap, the
that taking multivitamins, of multivitamins by 93 per cent. researchers drew on adult users of
omega-3, probiotics, or vitamin D Similarly, zinc supplement sales the COVID-19 Symptom Study app
supplements may lessen the risk rose by 415 per cent in the first to see if regular supplement users
of testing positive for COVID-19 week of March, at the height of were less likely to test positive for
infection- at least among women. COVID-19 fears in the USA. In a bid SARS-CoV-2. The app was launched
But taking any vitamin C, zinc, in the UK, the US, and Sweden in
or garlic supplements wasn't March 2020 to capture self-reported
associated with a lower risk of information on the evolution of
testing positive for the virus, the the pandemic. Taking probiotics,
findings show. In the UK alone, omega-3 fatty acids, multivits or
market share rose by 19.5 per cent vitamin D was associated with a
in the period leading up to the first lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection:
national 'lockdown' on March 23 by 14 per cent, 12 per cent, 13 per
last year, with sales of vitamin C cent and 9 per cent, respectively.

Higher mushroom Prebiotic supplements
consumption may positively impacting
reduce risk of cancer anxiety levels

Higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower In a paper published in the journal Scientific
risk of cancer, according to a new Penn State study. The Reports, researchers from UK based Surrey
systematic review and meta-analysis examined 17 cancer University investigated whether the daily
studies published from 1966 to 2020. Analyzing data from consumption of a prebiotic food supplement
more than 19,500 cancer patients, researchers explored could improve overall wellbeing in a group of
the relationship between mushroom consumption and 18- to 25-year-olds. The study found that those
cancer risk. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients and who received a daily dose of prebiotics improved
antioxidants. The team’s findings show that these super mental wellbeing by reducing anxiety levels and
foods may also help guard against cancer. Even though had better gut health than the control group.
shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster mushrooms have Researchers studied a group of 64 healthy female
higher amounts of the amino acid ergothioneine than white participants with no current or previous clinical
button, cremini and portabello mushrooms, the researchers diagnoses of anxiety. Participants received
found that people who incorporated any variety of either a daily dose of the prebiotic galacto-
mushrooms into their daily diets had a lower risk of cancer. oligosaccharides (GOS) or a placebo for 28 days.
Moving forward, this research could be helpful in further All those involved in the trial completed surveys
exploring the protective effects that mushrooms have and about their health experiences, including mood,
helping to establish healthier diets that prevent cancer. anxiety and sleep quality and provided a stool
sample for gut microbiome sequencing analysis.

50 SUPPLIER NEWS NUFFOODS SPECTRUM | June 2021 | www.nuffoodsspectrum.in

Duravant Tetra Pak unveils Best Practice
buys poultry Lines for cheese manufacturers
processing
equipment Tetra Pak has announced the processing lines utilise proven
manufacturer development of 14 new Best equipment combined with industry-
Practice Lines (BPLs) for cheese leading expertise to create a safe
US-based Duravant LLC, a manufacturers, the latest of which, and easy route to profitable cheese
global engineered equipment specifically customised for Cottage production with a higher yield while
and automation solutions cheese, was launched recently. The incorporating the traditional cheese
provider to the food other cheeses that will benefit from making techniques. The hygienic
processing, packaging and these BPLs include Mozzarella, Semi- production process enables a longer
material handling sectors, has hard cheese, Cheddar, and Fresh product shelf life, as well as consistent
announced that it has entered cheese production. Together, these and replicable quality. Sustainability
into a definitive agreement to cheese types makeup 79 per cent is also a factor, with solutions
acquire Foodmate, a leading of all cheese volumes and have a focusing on reducing water, steam,
manufacturer of poultry CAGR forecast of 3 per cent (2021- and power consumption.
processing equipment dual- 2025). Leveraging over 50 years of
headquartered in Ball Ground, experience in the cheese category,
Georgia, and Numansdorp, the biggest dairy food segment in
the Netherlands. Foodmate’s the world at 42 per cent share (and
automated secondary more than 27 billion Kg), the new
processing solutions for BPL concepts provide a complete
poultry are widely recognised production solution for customers,
as the gold standard in the optimised to fit their needs. The
industry. This partnership
brings together two global Siegwerk introduces real-time
engineered equipment order tracking feature for India
leaders and extends
Duravant’s ability to serve Siegwerk, one of the leading global suppliers of printing inks for packaging
customers and partners in applications and labels for the food & beverage industry, headquartered in
over 190 countries worldwide Germany, has launched a new real-time tracking feature on its SAP based
within the food processing online customer portal. Siegwerk India customers, ordering on the Siegwerk
sector. The Foodmate brand portal, can now get a state-of-the-art eCommerce user experience and
of processing machinery has
been a competitive force in need not be worried about order
the full line processing of delivery status. The real-time
poultry for over 15 years. tracking feature is an addition
to the complete contactless
order management facility on
the Siegwerk customer portal.
Customers will experience a
world-class interface with live 24x7
monitoring from the time of placing
the order through the delivery.
Siegwerk's real-time tracking
feature makes the ordering process
quick for customers. Previously, customers had to spend time and manpower
in painful delivery tracking methods that often resulted in reduced efficiencies
and unreliable results. Delays and uncertainties in transportation made the
process cumbersome. The process of tracking now takes almost zero time, and
Siegwerk's new feature makes it possible with just a click on a real-time basis.